The VDRL test is a non-treponemal test, which means it detects antibodies produced by the body in response to the infection rather than directly detecting the Treponema pallidum bacteria. It is commonly used as a screening test for syphilis and is known for its sensitivity in detecting early syphilis infections.
A negative VDRL titer suggests that the person does not currently have syphilis or has not been exposed to the bacteria recently enough for their body to produce detectable antibodies. However, it is important to note that the VDRL test may not be able to detect syphilis in its very early stages, known as the primary stage, when the initial symptoms appear.
If you have a negative VDRL titer, but you still have symptoms or concerns about syphilis, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. They may suggest additional tests, such as a treponemal test (e.g., FTA-ABS or TPPA), to confirm the absence or presence of syphilis infection and determine appropriate treatment if needed.