The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test is a blood test used to screen for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The test detects antibodies produced in response to the infection, helping identify individuals who may need further testing or treatment. The VDRL test is not specific to syphilis and can yield false-positive results due to other conditions, such as lupus or pregnancy. Therefore, if the VDRL test is positive, additional tests, like the FTA-ABS (Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption) test, are often performed for confirmation.