Syphilis serology (VDRL)

A test performed from blood to verify positive or ambiguous results of screening for syphilis.

It is a quantitative test used for assessing the effectiveness of syphilis treatment.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. The VDRL serological test uses non-treponemal antibodies. The test may also yield quantitative results. The VDRL test becomes positive approx. 12-15 days after the occurrence of the primary change. The titre of the VDRL test gradually increases and reaches the maximum level in the 3rd month of secondary syphilis.

The test is non-specific and can therefore yield false positives in the course of diseases that release lipid antigen and lead to the formation of reagins (e.g. lupus, chronic hepatitis, antiphospholipid syndrome).

Syphilis serology is obligatorily performed between the 5th and the 10th week of pregnancy.

• The test involves the collection of blood into an EDTA test tube, the disinfection of skin according to the standard procedure of blood collection, putting on a tourniquet and applying pressure in the collection site following the procedure for a few minutes.
• The blood collection procedure takes approximately from a few seconds to a few dozen seconds.
• No special preparation for the test is required..
• Blood should be collected in the morning.

• Test results are available within 3 working days.
• It is possible to collect them at the reception desk of any Medicover Centre.