VDRL (RPR), Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About VDRL (RPR), Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | RPR Test, Rapid Plasma Reagin Test, Syphilis Screening Test, Syphilis Serology, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | Within 6 to 24 hours (may vary by laboratory) |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders, particularly pregnant women, individuals with STI symptoms, those with multiple sexual partners, and HIV-positive individuals |
| Price | Starting at ₹60 |
What Is a VDRL (RPR) Serum Test?
The VDRL (RPR) Serum test is a blood test used to screen for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It detects specific antibodies produced by the body in response to this infection. Also known as the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test or Syphilis Serology, this test uses a venous blood sample drawn from the arm. Doctors commonly request it as part of routine sexual health screening, antenatal care, or when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of syphilis.
What Does a VDRL (RPR) Serum Test Measure?
The VDRL (RPR) Serum test looks for non-specific antibodies, often called reagins, that the body produces when syphilis bacteria damage cells. The test uses a mix of cardiolipin, cholesterol, and lecithin as the test antigen. When the patient's serum contains these antibodies, it causes a clumping reaction (called flocculation) that signals a positive result.
The test reports two main values:
| Parameter | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Qualitative result (reactive or non-reactive) | Whether syphilis antibodies are present in the blood |
| RPR titer (if reactive) | The level of antibodies is expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:4, 1:8); higher ratios generally suggest a more active infection |
Why Is a VDRL (RPR) Serum Test Done?
This test is ordered in several situations, from routine screening to investigating specific symptoms.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test if you have any of the following:
- A painless sore (chancre) on the genitals, mouth, or rectum
- A skin rash, especially on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever or persistent sore throat
- Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test can assist in identifying the following:
- Syphilis, across its primary, secondary, and tertiary stages
- Congenital syphilis, when maternal or neonatal blood is tested
- Neurosyphilis, when cerebrospinal fluid is tested using the VDRL method
VDRL (RPR), Serum Test During Pregnancy
Syphilis screening is a standard part of antenatal care. All women are advised to undergo serological screening for syphilis at their first prenatal visit, with repeat testing recommended in the third trimester and at delivery for those at higher risk. Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can pass to the baby, causing congenital syphilis, which carries serious health risks. Early detection through the VDRL (RPR) Serum test allows timely management and helps prevent these outcomes.
VDRL (RPR) Serum Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The VDRL (RPR) Serum test is also used to track how well treatment is working. After therapy, antibody levels (expressed as the RPR titer) should gradually fall. A fourfold drop in titer (for example, from 1:32 to 1:8) within six months of treatment for primary or secondary syphilis is considered a sign of successful response. The CDC recommends repeat testing at 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment for late-latent syphilis.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. Here is what the process involves.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink as normal before giving your blood sample, as food and drink do not affect the test results.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before you go for sample collection:
- Inform your doctor or the collection staff about all medications you are currently taking
- Share any history of sexually transmitted infections with your healthcare provider
- Wear clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for easy access to the arm
- Drink plenty of water before the appointment to help make the veins easier to locate
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection for this test is simple and quick. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection specialist) will ask you to sit comfortably and extend your arm
- An elastic band (tourniquet) is tied around your upper arm to make the vein more visible
- The skin at the collection site, usually the inside of the elbow, is cleaned with an antiseptic solution
- A sterile needle is gently inserted into the vein, and a small amount of blood is drawn into a sealed vial
- The needle is removed, and a small cotton swab or bandage is placed over the site
- The labelled sample is dispatched to the laboratory for analysis
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Stage of infection (false-negative results are more common in the very early or late latent stages of syphilis)
- Recent antibiotic use before testing
- Presence of certain medical conditions or infections that can cause false-positive results (see the results section for details)
- Proper handling and storage of the blood sample
- Using the same test method consistently when monitoring titer levels over time
Understanding Your VDRL (RPR), Serum Test Results
Results should always be reviewed in context with your doctor, who will consider your medical history, symptoms, and any other tests. The table below gives a general guide to what the results mean.
| Parameter | Normal | Reactive (Positive) |
|---|---|---|
| Qualitative result | Non-reactive | Reactive (antibodies detected) |
| RPR titer (if reactive) | Not applicable | Reported as a ratio, a higher ratio generally indicates a more active infection |
A non-reactive result is considered normal and suggests no syphilis antibodies were detected in the sample. A reactive result does not confirm syphilis on its own and should be followed up with a confirmatory test, such as the FTA-ABS (Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption) test.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Some medical conditions and situations can produce false-positive results on this test. Acute conditions such as pregnancy, malaria, tuberculosis, measles, chickenpox, infectious mononucleosis, and certain immunisations may temporarily trigger a reactive result without an actual syphilis infection. Chronic conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipid syndrome, liver disease, HIV infection, and leprosy, may also cause persistent false-positive results. Your doctor will take these possibilities into account when interpreting your result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general practices can help reduce the risk of syphilis and support sexual health:
- Use barrier protection consistently during sexual activity
- Get tested regularly if you have multiple sexual partners or belong to a higher-risk group
- Attend all follow-up appointments after treatment to allow your doctor to monitor your RPR titer and confirm your response to therapy
Lupin Diagnostics VDRL (RPR) Serum Test Price and Home Collection
The VDRL (RPR) Serum test is available at Lupin Diagnostics with home sample collection across many cities. Prices below are based on aggregator data and may vary by location.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹220 |
| Bangalore | ₹230 |
| Chennai | ₹250 |
| Hyderabad | ₹200 |
| Kolkata | ₹200 |
| Pune | ₹220 |
| Ahmednagar | ₹220 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your test:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the VDRL (RPR) Serum test across multiple cities in India. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories staffed by qualified professionals. Reports are delivered digitally, so you can access your results conveniently from any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both the VDRL and Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) tests are nontreponemal flocculation tests that work on the same principle. The key difference is that the RPR test uses carbon particles in the antigen, making it possible to read results with the naked eye rather than a microscope. The RPR is more widely used today for routine syphilis screening.
Yes, it can. Because the test detects non-specific antibodies, conditions such as lupus, HIV, pregnancy, malaria, tuberculosis, and certain viral infections can sometimes trigger a reactive result even without a syphilis infection. A confirmatory treponemal test is always needed before a diagnosis is made.
The VDRL (RPR) Serum test typically becomes positive within four to six weeks after infection, or about one to four weeks after the appearance of the initial sore (chancre). Testing too early after exposure may yield a false-negative result.
Yes. Syphilis screening through the VDRL (RPR) Serum test is a standard part of antenatal care. All pregnant women are advised to be screened at their first prenatal visit, as untreated syphilis can pass to the baby and cause serious complications.
The test shows 86% sensitivity in primary syphilis and 100% sensitivity in secondary syphilis, but only 73% in the latent stage. This means it is most accurate during the secondary stage of infection. A positive result always requires confirmation with a more specific treponemal test.
A positive or reactive result is not a final diagnosis. Your doctor will recommend a confirmatory test, such as the FTA-ABS test, to verify the finding. If syphilis is confirmed, your doctor will advise on the appropriate next steps.
Yes. Completing a course of treatment does not protect you from future infection. If you are exposed to the bacteria again after treatment, it is possible to contract syphilis again. Regular testing and practising safe sexual behaviours are the best ways to reduce this risk.
VDRL (RPR), Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
