VDRL

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Blood test

Overview Risks Results

VDRL

The value of a negative test depends on the stage of syphilis that is suspected. Screening test is most valuable in secondary and latent syphilis as it will most likely be positive during these stages. During primary and tertiary syphilis this test may be falsely negative and additional testing may be needed prior to ruling out syphilis.

A positive test result may mean you have syphilis. If the test is positive,the next step is toconfirm the results with an FTA-ABS test, which is a more specific syphilis test.

The VRDL test's ability to detectsyphilis depends on the stage of the disease.The test's sensitivity to detect syphilis nears 100%during the middle stages; it is less sensitive during the earlier and later stages.

The following conditions may cause a false positive test:

• HIV
• Lyme disease
• Certain types of pneumonia
• Malaria
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

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