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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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What Does "weak Reactive" In Vdrl Test Indicate?

1)My vdrl test came back saying Weak Reactive. What does this mean? I got this diagnosis in 1994. I am now 42. Do I have Syphilis?
2)Two weeks ago I had an HPV test with my pap smear. It showed positive for Chlamydia but did not show if I had Herpes which I believed I had for years. Could I have thought wrong about the Herpes?
Fri, 2 Jan 2015
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
VDRL test is done for syphilis.
A weak positive VDRL test does not prove that you are suffering from syphilis.
However, a reactive or weakly reactive VDRL is an indication for confirmatory test which is TPHA test (Treponemal Pallidum hem-agglutination).
If TPHA is also positive, then it is confirmed that you are suffering from syphilis.
A positive test for Chlamydia shows infection with Chlamydia only.
For Herpes simplex infection, you will need to get serological test for herpes simplex infection.
Herpes is characterized by multiple painful fluid filled vesicles.
In case you have such history, you can get test for herpes simplex infection.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  Dr. Shailja Puri's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
A weak reactive VDRL does not suggest syphilis infection.
VDRL is a preliminary test and it has to be confirmed by TPHA test.
TPHA test is confirmatory for syphilis.
If you want to know whether you have syphilis or not, you will have to get VDRL test again.
Presence of Chlamydia infection on Pap needs to be treated with appropriate anti-microbials.
Herpes is characterised by painful fluid filled vesicles on genital region.
The cells may show some change characteristic of herpes infection in the Pap test.
Thus, if there are painful fluid filled vesicles on genital region, Herpes can be suspected.
Consult your gynaecologist for treatment of herpes infection.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri



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What Does "weak Reactive" In Vdrl Test Indicate?

Hello and welcome to HCM, VDRL test is done for syphilis. A weak positive VDRL test does not prove that you are suffering from syphilis. However, a reactive or weakly reactive VDRL is an indication for confirmatory test which is TPHA test (Treponemal Pallidum hem-agglutination). If TPHA is also positive, then it is confirmed that you are suffering from syphilis. A positive test for Chlamydia shows infection with Chlamydia only. For Herpes simplex infection, you will need to get serological test for herpes simplex infection. Herpes is characterized by multiple painful fluid filled vesicles. In case you have such history, you can get test for herpes simplex infection. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal