Most Recent Nontreponemal Antibody Test (e.g., Venereal Disease Research Laboratory, or VDRL)
This test checks for early signs of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by detecting antibodies your body produces in response to bacteria. It’s often used as a screening test before confirming a diagnosis.
["A simple blood test to help identify possible infections that may not yet show symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 75168-5
- Short code
- MOSTRECENTNONTREPONEMALTESTRESULT
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- cdc-cs
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Nontreponemal tests like VDRL measure antibodies that your immune system creates as a reaction to bacterial infections, such as syphilis. These antibodies appear in the bloodstream shortly after infection but may decline over time. The test helps identify if you’ve been exposed to these bacteria, even if you don’t yet have symptoms.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have risk factors for STIs (e.g., multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex), symptoms like sores, rashes, or unexplained fevers, or if you’re part of a screening program for sexually transmitted infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a blood sample. The process takes just a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. If you’re nervous, let your provider know—they can offer options like numbing cream.
What to Expect During and After the Test
The blood sample is sent to a lab for testing. Results are typically available within 1–3 days. You’ll receive them in writing or via your healthcare provider’s portal. If you’re concerned, ask your provider how to interpret your results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Nontreponemal tests like VDRL are screening tools, not definitive diagnoses. A positive result suggests possible infection but doesn’t confirm syphilis. Follow-up tests (such as a treponemal test) may be needed for confirmation. If results are positive, your provider will guide you on next steps, including treatment if needed. Early detection improves outcomes.
Short name
VDRL Test (Screening)
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Can I Have Syphilis If My VDRL Test Is Negative?
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy