Non-Treponemal Venereal Disease Test (NTVDT) or Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) Test
This test checks for early signs of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by detecting antibodies in your blood that may indicate exposure to bacteria like syphilis.
["A reactive result may signal early infection, but further testing is needed for confirmation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 75187-5
- Short code
- NONTREPONEMALTESTWASREACTIVE
- 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
The VDRL test detects antibodies produced by your immune system in response to bacterial infections, such as syphilis. It’s a screening test often used in early stages of infection when specific tests may not yet be sensitive enough.
How the Test Works
The test uses a blood sample to identify antibodies against specific bacterial antigens. A reactive result means your body has likely encountered these bacteria, though it doesn’t confirm the infection itself.
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like sores, rashes, or other signs of STIs, or if you’re at higher risk (e.g., unprotected sex, multiple partners). It’s also used in routine screening for certain populations.
What a Reactive Result Means
A reactive VDRL test suggests your immune system has responded to a bacterial infection, possibly syphilis. This doesn’t mean you have the infection now, but it warrants further testing (like a Treponemal test) to confirm or rule it out.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A reactive VDRL test is important because early detection of syphilis (or other infections) allows for prompt treatment, which can prevent complications like heart damage, neurological issues, or even congenital syphilis in newborns. Follow-up testing is essential to confirm diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.
Short name
VDRL Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a reactive VDRL test mean for my health?
Will I need to take any special steps if my VDRL test is reactive?
Can I get syphilis even if my VDRL test is negative?
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