Syphilis antibody (quantitative) test
Quick answer: This blood test measures the level of antibodies made in response to syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. It is used to help diagnose syphilis and, by comparing levels over time, to check how well treatment is working.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
- In fertility careSyphilis is screened before fertility treatment and in pregnancy, because untreated infection can be passed to the baby.
How the test is done
- 1You are seated and a vein in your arm is cleaned
- 2Blood is drawn into a tube
- 3The lab dilutes the sample step by step to measure the antibody level, called a titre
- 4The result may be compared with earlier or later samples
What your results can mean
Reading your report
A positive screening result usually needs a confirmatory test; discuss it with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A positive result with a higher titre can point to active or recent syphilis, and a falling titre after treatment suggests it is working. False positives can be seen in pregnancy and with some infections or autoimmune conditions, so a confirmatory test is used.
Who usually has this test
People before fertility treatment and in pregnancy, people with sores or rashes that suggest syphilis, and those being followed after treatment.
Risks and aftercare
There is no recovery time; a small plaster over the needle site can come off after an hour or so.
Names and options
Also called: VDRL titre, RPR titre, syphilis test
Listed by the hospital as
- SYPHYLIS QUANTITATIVE
Questions about this test
What does a VDRL titre mean?
The titre shows how much the sample can be diluted before the test stops reacting, such as 1:8 or 1:32. A higher titre means more antibody. Doctors use changes in the titre to track treatment.
Can a syphilis test be falsely positive?
Yes. VDRL and RPR tests can be weakly positive in pregnancy, with some viral infections or with autoimmune conditions. A more specific confirmatory test is used before a diagnosis.
Why is syphilis screened before fertility treatment?
Syphilis can be passed to a partner or to the baby during pregnancy, and it is easily treated with antibiotics. Screening is a routine part of pre-treatment tests in many fertility clinics.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.