Venereal Disease

STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) Profile

VDRL
The VDRL test is performed to detect a syphilis infection and will only be reactive from 2 to 4 weeks (or longer in certain cases) after initial infection. The VDRL test is not a specific test for syphilis as other conditions, such as viral or bacterial infections, malaria, rheumatoid disease, yaws and autoimmune diseases are known to give false positive reactions. If the VDRL test is reactive (positive) a confirmatory test, TPHA must be performed to confirm syphilis infection.
TPHA
TPHA test is done only when a VDRL test is positive and is a test performed to confirm a syphilis infection. A diagnosis of syphilis can only be confirmed when both the TPHA and VDRL tests are positive.
HIV Antibody
There is an interval of about 2 to 5 weeks (or perhaps longer) after the initial exposure before the HIV Antibody becomes detectable. A positive HIV screening test must be confirmed by a more specific test called HIV by Western Blot. The presence of the HIV antibody indicates exposure to a HIV virus infection and the antibody is not protective against the disease. A person with positive HIV antibody can remain well for many years before the onset of the disease AIDS.