VDRL Test: Price, Purpose, Risks, Procedure & Result [2025]
VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) Test or RPR Test is a blood test that is used to screen for Syphilis infection. Syphilis is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. The test detects antibodies that the body creates in response to the syphilis bacteria. Typically, doctors conduct the test as part of a normal examination or in reaction to symptoms of syphilis, such as a genital sore, skin rash, or fever. The cost of serum VDRL test ranges between Rs 119 to Rs 240 on an average.
Your doctor may recommend the VDRL test if you have the following signs and symptoms:
- A rash or skin lesion, especially if it is on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet.
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.
- Swollen glands
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Hair loss in patches
- Genital sores or ulcers, particularly if they are painless.
- You have had unprotected sexual contact with someone who has syphilis or whose syphilis status is unknown.
- Prenatal screening during pregnancy
VDRL Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | Venereal Disease Reactive Test, Venereal Disease Serum Test, Serum Diagnosis of Syphilis, Flocculation Test, Wassermann Test, Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test |
| Purpose | To screen for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection by detecting the corresponding antibodies in the blood that may indicate a current or past infection. Prenatal screening (Pregnancy) |
| Preparation | No special preparation is usually required |
| Fasting | No |
| Reporting Time | <24 Hours |
| Cost | Rs 119 to Rs 240 |
VDRL Test Price
The VDRL Test Price usually ranges from Rs 119 to Rs 240. The actual price depends on the diagnostic centre and the city. Bookmerilab partners with more than 506 diagnostic centres across India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.
Prices at Popular diagnostic centres
The table below lists the prices at some of the popular diagnostic centres.
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Redcliffe Labs | Rs 119 |
| Aarthi Scan | Rs 135 |
| Mahajan Imaging | Rs 144 |
| City X-Ray | Rs 188 |
| Shree Krishna Diagnostics | Rs 240 |
| Thyrocare Labs | Rs 200 |
| Dr. Lal Pathlabs | Rs 170 |
| Janta X-Ray Clinic | Rs 180 |
| Vijaya Diagnostics | Rs 200 |
Cost in different cities
The test cost depends upon the one recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost varies depending on the lab and the city.
| City | Test Price |
|---|---|
| VDRL Test Price in Delhi | Rs 98 to Rs 207 |
| VDRL Test Price in Mumbai | Rs 119 to Rs 200 |
| VDRL Test Price in Bangalore | Rs 119 to Rs 135 |
| VDRL Test Price in Hyderabad | Rs 117 to Rs 263 |
| VDRL Test Price in Gurgaon | Rs 119 to Rs 250 |
| VDRL Test Price in Chennai | Rs 119 to Rs 170 |
| VDRL Test Price in Kolkata | Rs 117 to Rs 120 |
VDRL/ RPR Test Purpose
Your doctor may recommend a VDRL (RPR) test for the following purposes
- Doctors use it to track the effectiveness of syphilis treatment.
- The test can assist in identifying those who have had syphilis but have not yet displayed symptoms, which is crucial for stopping the infection’s spread.
- Although it is not its primary function, doctors may occasionally use this test to identify additional illnesses, such as autoimmune diseases or certain cancers.
- Doctors use it to screen people who are at high risk of contracting syphilis, including those who have multiple sexual partners, males who have sex with men, and individuals who use intravenous drugs. Testing these high-risk individuals can help control the spread of syphilis.
- Doctors also routinely screen pregnant women for syphilis using an RPR test.
Preparation
This test does not require any special preparation. It’s crucial to let the doctor know if you have a bleeding issue or are using blood-thinning drugs because the test requires collecting a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm.
Also, let your doctor know about any vitamins, drugs, or herbal remedies you’re using because some of them may alter how accurately the test results come back. Doctors advise wearing short sleeves or sleeveless shirts on the day of the test to make it easier to take blood from the arm.
Procedure
It is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. A blood sample is taken from the vein in your arm or hand by the following steps-
- A technician (phlebotomist) may tie a tourniquet (elastic band) to your arm.
- The phlebotomist will locate your blood vessel.
- Then the site is cleaned with spirit.
- A Needle is inserted into your vein to draw the blood.
- The blood sample is then withdrawn into a syringe or a vial.
- Cotton is placed on the puncture site with mild pressure till the bleeding stops.
- A small band-aid is then placed, which may be removed after an hour.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
In cases wherein the doctors suspect the infection to have reached the brain, a sample of CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid) taken through a lumbar puncture may be tested.
Risks
It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that of any other blood test. These include-
- Infection at the puncture site if proper sterilization protocol is not followed and the needle is contaminated. This is, however, very rare. You may ensure that your phlebotomist takes out the needle in front of you from a sterile pack.
- Multiple pricks if the blood vessel is not easily found
- Excessive bleeding at the puncture site- Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any blood thinners or have any bleeding disorders.
- Light-headedness due to stress or heavy bleeding.
Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.
VDRL Test Result
The results of this test are reported as either non-reactive (negative) or reactive (positive).
The positive test result indicates the presence of antibodies that suggest a current or past infection with syphilis. If the test is positive, additional testing such as TPHA & FTA-Abs may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the infection.
Negative test result indicates that there are no syphilis antibodies present in the blood sample.
| Result | Reference Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Reactive | Titers of more than 1:8 | Indicates the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against non-treponemal antigens |
| Non-Reactive | Not Reported | Indicates the absence of IgG and IgM antibodies against non-treponemal antigens |
VDRL Test Sample Report
Limitations
Positive results indicate the presence of syphilis antibodies, but they do not necessarily imply that someone has syphilis because false-positive results might happen. For example, a positive result may occur in patients with autoimmune diseases, certain infections, or certain cancers. Healthcare providers typically carry out additional tests, such as a confirming treponemal test, to confirm the diagnosis and establish the stage of the infection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the VDRL test is a blood test used to determine the presence of antibodies to the syphilis-causing bacterium. Doctors typically use antibiotics to treat syphilis. Healthcare professionals frequently advise patients who have syphilis symptoms or who are at risk of developing the virus to undergo this reasonably quick and easy test. Regarding syphilis testing and treatment, as well as other sexually transmitted infections, it’s crucial to listen to the advice of your healthcare professional.
FAQs
A: A positive VDRL test result indicates the presence of antibodies to the bacteria that cause syphilis, but a confirmatory treponemal test is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
A: The VDRL test is a simple blood test that is usually not painful. However, some people may experience mild discomfort or a slight pinch at the site of the needle insertion.
A: The results of a VDRL test are usually available within a few days to a week, depending on the laboratory that performs the test.
A: Yes, a VDRL test can give a false-positive result. For example, it can indicate the presence of syphilis antibodies when there is no infection present.
This is more likely to occur in people with certain medical conditions or who have recently been vaccinated.
A: No, fasting is not required for a VDRL test. However, it is important to inform your healthcare provider of any medications or supplements you may be taking, as they can affect the test results.
How To Book a VDRL Test?
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.