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VDRL

Alternative Names: Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test Normal Values: 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. What abnormal results mean: Text Continues Below A positive test result may mean you have syphilis. If the test is positive, the next step is to confirm the results with an FTA-ABS test, which is a more specific syphilis test. The VRDL test's ability to detect syphilis 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 References: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Syphilis Infection: Recommendation Statement. Ann Fam Med 2004; 2: 362-365.

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