VDRL Test (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory)

A screening tool used to detect syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium. This non-treponemal test identifies specific antibodies produced by the body in response to cellular damage caused by the infection. It is an essential initial screening for symptomatic individuals, pregnant women to prevent congenital syphilis, and those with high-risk exposure.