This blood test checks for syphilis using the VDRL method, which looks for antibodies your immune system produces in response to the infection. It suits people who want a laboratory blood test via a clinic or nurse visit.
1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious complications if left untreated. The VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test looks for antibodies that your immune system produces in response to the infection; it can be used both to screen for syphilis and, in people with a history of the infection, to help monitor it. This version uses a blood sample rather than testing cerebrospinal fluid.
Better2Know sells several syphilis tests, and this VDRL version sits in the middle of that range on price. At £175 it is more expensive than Medichecks' £59 syphilis test and Better2Know's own £95 home kit and £130 TPPA test, but cheaper than Better2Know's £185 Instant Syphilis Test and £250 swab of chancre. Against the group median of £145 it is around 21% more expensive.
It scores well for clinical depth, since it measures exactly the single marker it sets out to, and for clarity, with a detailed listing covering the marker, sample type and turnaround. It loses marks on value for money given the cost relative to cheaper options in the same range, and on results and follow-up, because results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.
This suits you if you want a laboratory blood test for syphilis and are happy to pay a premium for Better2Know's clinic or nurse-visit service rather than shopping around.
If price matters more, Medichecks' syphilis test at £59 or Better2Know's own home test kit at £95 test for the same infection at a lower cost; if you specifically need the TPPA method, Better2Know's own TPPA test at £130 is also cheaper than this VDRL version.
You provide a blood sample, taken either at a Better2Know clinic or by a nurse who visits you. The sample is sent to the laboratory to check for antibodies associated with syphilis using the VDRL method. Results are typically available within two days of the sample reaching the laboratory, and you can view them through Better2Know's online patient area. The fact sheet does not state that results are reviewed by a doctor as standard, though a consultation can be arranged if the result is positive.
This is Better2Know's VDRL syphilis blood test, one of several syphilis options the provider offers. At £175 it costs more than Medichecks' £59 syphilis test and Better2Know's own £95 home kit or £130 TPPA test, though it is cheaper than Better2Know's £185 Instant Syphilis Test and £250 chancre swab. Results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.
The listing publishes a detailed description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.
A single-marker test measuring exactly what it sets out to; depth is not the point of this comparison group.
Requires a venous draw at a clinic; a home nurse visit is offered; results in around 2 days, in line with or faster than similar tests.
Results are not doctor-reviewed and no consultation is included; the provider does not describe the report format.
Trustpilot 4.2 from 775 reviews; CQC registered; trading 18+ years.
£175.00 against a comparison-group median of £145.00 (+21%).
Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.
This test belongs to our Syphilis test comparison group. See how it stacks up against equivalent tests from other providers.
Cheapest syphilis antibody test in its comparison group
A single-marker blood test checking for IgG and IgM antibodies to syphilis, used to indicate a current or past infection. Suited to anyone without symptoms who wants a private check, alongside a sexual health clinic visit if symptoms are present.
Cheapest of Better2Know's syphilis tests
A finger-prick blood test that checks for Syphilis antibodies, for men and women who want to test for the infection without visiting a clinic.
Clinic syphilis test priced at the group median
A clinic-based blood test that checks for Syphilis antibodies, for men and women who prefer a professional blood draw over a home finger-prick kit.
Confirmatory syphilis test at a mid-range price
A confirmatory blood test for syphilis, usually done after a positive screening result to help work out whether the infection is current or from the past. Suited to people who need to clarify an earlier syphilis test result.
Fast finger-prick result, priced above most alternatives
A rapid finger-prick test for syphilis antibodies, taken and read at a Better2Know clinic. Suited to anyone who wants a result during the same visit rather than waiting for lab-based results.
Priciest syphilis test here, for chancre swabs only
A swab test that checks a visible sore for the bacteria that cause Syphilis, for people who currently have a chancre rather than a general screening need.
Cheapest syphilis antibody test in its comparison group
A single-marker blood test checking for IgG and IgM antibodies to syphilis, used to indicate a current or past infection. Suited to anyone without symptoms who wants a private check, alongside a sexual health clinic visit if symptoms are present.
Cheapest of Better2Know's syphilis tests
A finger-prick blood test that checks for Syphilis antibodies, for men and women who want to test for the infection without visiting a clinic.
Clinic syphilis test priced at the group median
A clinic-based blood test that checks for Syphilis antibodies, for men and women who prefer a professional blood draw over a home finger-prick kit.
Confirmatory syphilis test at a mid-range price
A confirmatory blood test for syphilis, usually done after a positive screening result to help work out whether the infection is current or from the past. Suited to people who need to clarify an earlier syphilis test result.
