When is VDRL Done During Pregnancy?

Ideally known as the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test, it is performed to determine whether you have syphilis (a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or not). Generally, syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and gets infected by penetrating the lining of the mouth or genital area.

Due to a lack of awareness of a dangerous disease like syphilis, many people do not realise that they are infected with it, so they neglect its side effects until the situation becomes worse. Hence, from this moment on, be prepared to acknowledge all the significant information on the VDRL test, why it is necessary to perform it, and how helpful it can be for you to live a healthy life and sustain a beautiful pregnancy.

What is a VDRL test? 

The  VDRL test is known as a blood screening test that is used to detect syphilis. As syphilis is a serious health issue you must go for the VDRL test if your doctor has prescribed you or you experience any of the syphilis symptoms. 

Though the VDRL test doesn’t look for the bacteria that result in syphilis, it checks for the antibodies your body develops in response to antigens produced by cells that get damaged by the bacteria. The antibodies are a protein produced by your immune system to fight off bacteria and toxins, if any. Testing for these antibodies helps your doctor determine whether you have syphilis. 

Though you do not need to wait for the symptoms to show up for this test to give you an accurate analysis of test results. The VDRL test looks for the antibodies developed as a 

result of syphilis infection; to be precise, the VDRL test can be performed even if you show any symptoms of syphilis.

Still, the early signs of syphilis are: 

• Swelling in the lymph nodes near the sore
• A skin rash that doesn’t itch
• One small.  Painless sore 

Though in some other cases, your doctor will recommend you go for a VDRL test even if you do not show any signs or symptoms, or even if you are not even closer to getting affected by the disease. You are most likely to suggest a VDRL test during pregnancy as a routine part of your health checkup.

However, it should be clear that VDRL in pregnant cases doesn’t indicate you are suffering from syphilis or any other health condition; it is only performed to check on your health to avoid the severe complications that you might face in the later stages of your pregnancy.

What is the right time to perform VDRL during pregnancy? 

Ideally, VDRL for pregnant women is screened for syphilis at their first prenatal visit, during the third trimester, and at the time of delivery. Generally, it is seen that the screening test is most likely to turn out positive in the secondary and later stages of syphilis.

This test can give a false result if performed in the earlier stages. It is better to consult your doctor in time and take your health seriously, as avoiding the VDRL test for too long won’t take you anywhere and will only affect your health. So, do the right thing and get tested for the VDRL test during pregnancy at the earliest possible time.

What do the positive and negative results indicate? 

A positive test indicates that you have syphilis, so if your VDRL for pregnant women is found to be positive, the next step is to plan an effective treatment with the help of your healthcare provider. Though the VDRL test’s ability to detect syphilis is up to 100% during the middle stage, it is less sensitive during the later and earlier 

However, in some cases, it is found the performed VDRL test during pregnancy gives false results due to these specific health conditions such as: 

If you are suffering from these health complications: 

• Lyme disease 
• HIV/AIDS 
• Malaria 
• Certain types of pneumonia
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• IV drug use 
• Tuberculosis 

Hence, to get accurate VDRL test results, it is vital to talk to your doctor and let him/her know that you have been diagnosed with these health conditions so your treatment can be planned effectively, not only for the betterment of your health but also for your unborn child’s.

After realizing you should get tested. The next important step is to find the most reliable pathology lab for the VDRL or other health-checkup tests, and for that, you can read on.

Connect with the top pathology lab to get tested on time!

Syphilis is treatable, but only if you take your health seriously and try to consult your doctor on time, at least when you are pregnant or as soon as you think you are exposed. By considering the severity of syphilis, if you think you have been exposed to the disease, make it your priority and get tested before it can complicate your other organs and spread to other parts of your body. Moreover, the VDRL test can only be performed perfectly if it is provided by the best diagnostic laboratory, Redcliffe Labs.

Being the best pathology lab in the nation, Redcliffe Labs works with the motive of providing reliable diagnostic services to everyone, whether they are living in rural or urban areas. Not only that, but they also make sure you do not have to carry too much burden on your shoulders regarding the test cost. So, do not wait any longer to get tested; book your VDRL test during pregnancy with Redcliffe Labs