VDRL; RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin)

A VDRL; RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) is a blood test that looks for antibodies (specific proteins) against a bacterial infection called syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD). This test helps screen for active syphilis infection and also helps monitor response to ongoing treatment.

Syphilis infection is caused by the bacteria called Treponema pallidum. The infection spreads through contact with a syphilic sore, also called a chancre, usually during sexual activities. It can also be transmitted from the mother to the baby during pregnancy or childbirth. If not treated appropriately, syphilis can stay in the body for years and cause significant harm to the internal organs.

The first and most common sign of syphilis is a painless sore that develops where the bacteria entered the body. The sore typically appears within three weeks of exposure. It usually occurs in the reproductive and oral (mouth) area, and may go unnoticed if it is hidden inside the body. Syphilis can progress through four different stages and causes different symptoms in each stage. The infection is highly contagious in the first and second stages and can easily be transmitted to your sexual partners.

A VDRL; RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) for syphilis is performed when you have symptoms suggestive of this infection. These symptoms include small and painless sores near the site of infection, skin rash, fever, swollen lymph glands, hair loss, headaches, muscle ache, tiredness, etc. A VDRL; RPR test is also recommended to screen for the disease in certain groups of people at an increased risk of infection or of transmitting the infection to others.

Non-reactive RPR tests without clinical evidence of syphilis may suggest no current infection or an effectively treated infection. A false positive RPR (means positive results in the absence of syphilis) can be encountered in tuberculosis, malaria, and viral pneumonia. A reactive RPR test suggests past or present infections with the bacteria that cause syphilis. The VDRL; RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) test helps determine if the treatment against syphilis is working.

After a course of effective antibiotic therapy, usually the number of antibodies are expected to decrease, and VDRL; RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) may help confirm this. So if you are a sexually active adult with HIV or AIDS, you may need to get tested at least once a year. Doctors often use a VDRL; RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) to screen pregnant women for syphilis. A syphilis screening test is usually demanded by different states for anyone applying for a marriage certificate.

A VDRL; RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) doesn’t require you to fast or stop taking any medications. If your doctor wants you to make an exception, they will let you know before your test. However, avoid alcohol consumption prior to the test. Drinking alcohol within 24 hours of the test can give a false-negative result. 

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The results will help them evaluate your medical condition; make recommendations for diet, exercise, or medication; and formulate an overall treatment plan.