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The VDRL test in a blood transfusion service
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|November 1, 1975
Summary
A 1974 blood donation screening found 284 biological false positive (BFP) VDRL tests. These BFP results were more common in females and showed seasonal variation, but regular donation was not a likely cause.
Area of Science:
- Serology
- Public Health
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Syphilis screening is crucial in blood transfusion services.
- VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) testing is a common screening method.
- Understanding false positive rates is essential for accurate diagnosis and donor management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and characteristics of VDRL screening results over 12 months in a blood transfusion service.
- To identify factors associated with biological false positive (BFP) VDRL reactions.
- To assess the impact of regular blood donation on VDRL test outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 73,350 blood donations screened using VDRL tests in 1974.
- Application of confirmatory and reference laboratory testing to differentiate true positives from false positives.
- Demographic and seasonal analysis of donors with positive VDRL results.
Main Results:
- 318 initial positive VDRL tests were identified, with 284 confirmed as BFP reactions in 235 donors.
- BFP reactions were more prevalent in female donors, particularly younger females, and older males.
- A significant seasonal pattern was observed, with 65% of BFP results occurring during colder months (May-August).
- No strong evidence suggested regular blood donation contributes to BFP VDRL results.
Conclusions:
- Biological false positive VDRL reactions occur in a small percentage of blood donations.
- Demographic and seasonal factors may influence BFP rates.
- The blood donor population likely represents a general community sample regarding VDRL reactivity.