What does "weak reactive" in vdrl test indicate?
Patient: 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? Doctor: 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 careDr Shailja P Wahal