What is a positive VDRL?
A positive test result means you may have syphilis. If the test is positive, the next step is to confirm the results with an FTA-ABS test, which is a more specific syphilis test. The VDRL test’s ability to detect syphilis depends on the stage of the disease.
How do I know my VDRL is positive?
Usually, all you need to do for the VDRL test is allow a healthcare professional to draw your blood. Blood is generally drawn from a vein at the crease of the elbow or the back of the hand. This blood sample will then be sent to a laboratory and tested for the antibodies produced as a result of syphilis.
What is the meaning of non reactive in VDRL test?
A nonreactive VDRL test may indicate that the patient does not have neurosyphilis. However, a negative result can occur in some patients with neurosyphilis. CSF treponemal test have high sensitivity and are helpful only when test is negative.
What is treatment for VDRL positive?
The preferred treatment at all stages is penicillin, an antibiotic medication that can kill the organism that causes syphilis. If you’re allergic to penicillin, your doctor may suggest another antibiotic or recommend penicillin desensitization.
Can you still test positive for syphilis after treatment?
Shortly after infection occurs, the body produces syphilis antibodies that can be detected by a blood test. Even after full treatment, antibodies to syphilis remain in the blood and may be detectable for many years after the infection has gone.
What does it mean if a syphilis test is reactive?
A reactive treponemal test most likely indicates infection by T pallidum but is not sufficient to determine disease activity and make treatment decisions (table 1). A reactive test can be seen in patients with a history of syphilis who has been treated.
Is Vdrl positive curable?
It is treatable in the early stages, but without treatment, it can lead to disability, neurological disorders, and even death. The bacterium Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) causes syphilis.