Introduction
Since very long time Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test is performed solely by physicians to screen patients for syphilis, yet VDRL is still the most commonly used test all over the world for screening and it still remains unchallenged. Most interesting fact is that it is a test most commonly performed by patients themselves, even in the absence of a medical advice and the result obtained thereof is remembered and reminded to consulting physicians every time they visit them for rest of their life. This holds true when a patient suffers from a disease pertaining to genital system. However, most horrifying fact is that a positive test penetrates so deep into patients’ psyche that patient is self-stigmatized and hurt affecting him mentally and physically, affecting his daily activities and performance. Clinically in immunocompetent persons, a negative result is strong evidence against presence of the disease. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons, the serological response is unusual as in many other diseases, so while interpreting a serological test result, great care should be given. The aim of this article is to convey the right massage to physicians and patients about the facts and misfacts surrounding this test and importance of proper interpretation of its results.