Venereal Disease Research Laboratory

Definition

The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test is a screening tool used to detect syphilis, an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It measures the presence of antibodies produced in response to the infection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The VDRL test is a non-treponemal test that detects antibodies not specifically directed against Treponema pallidum.
2. A positive VDRL test must be confirmed with a more specific treponemal test, such as FTA-ABS.
3. False-positive results can occur with conditions like lupus, malaria, and certain viral infections.
4. The VDRL test can be performed on blood serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
5. The sensitivity of the VDRL test decreases during late stages of syphilis.

Review Questions

• What type of antibodies does the VDRL test detect?
• Why must a positive VDRL result be confirmed with another test?
• In what bodily fluids can the VDRL test be conducted?

Related terms

FTA-ABS: Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) is a specific confirmatory test for syphilis.

Treponema pallidum: The bacterium responsible for causing syphilis.

RPR Test: Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) is another non-treponemal screening test used to detect syphilis.