VDRL blood test
Explanation
VDRL is a blood test used when investigating syphilis, a bacterial infection, and when following its treatment. It measures an antibody reaction that can occur with syphilis but can also have other causes.
What do reactive and nonreactive mean?
Reactive means that the test detected the reaction it looks for. It does not confirm syphilis on its own. A different type of test directed more specifically at the syphilis bacterium is needed alongside the VDRL result.
Nonreactive means the reaction was not detected. An early infection can still be missed. Symptoms and the timing of possible exposure help determine whether further testing is needed.
What is a titer?
A titer records how far the sample can be diluted while still giving a reaction. Changes can help assess the course after treatment. Follow-up values should use the same test method, preferably the same laboratory. VDRL and RPR titers are not directly interchangeable.
A persistent reactive result after treatment does not automatically mean treatment failed. The earlier values and clinical history matter.
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