When is the quantitative VDRL test performed?

The quantitative VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test is primarily performed to titer reactive and weakly reactive results. This test plays a crucial role in the assessment of syphilis infections by measuring the levels of antibodies present in the blood, specifically in cases where there are weakly reactive or reactive results from a non-treponemal test.

This titration allows for a more nuanced understanding of the patient's condition, as it can give insight into the stage of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment. A higher titer may indicate active disease, while a lower titer may suggest a successful response to therapy or a previous infection. Therefore, the main purpose of conducting a quantitative VDRL test is to quantify these titers, providing valuable information for patient management and treatment decisions.