Synonyms
- CSF Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) Test
- Neurosyphilis
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 4 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Related Documents
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Sterile tube
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerate | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
| Freeze/Thaw Cycle | Stable x3 |
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Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; gross bacterial contamination
Test Details
Use
This syphilis VDRL is a nontreponemal assay used to aid in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis.
Methodology
Agglutination
Reference Interval
Nonreactive
Additional Information
A positive VDRL in a spinal fluid uncontaminated by serum is essentially diagnostic of neurosyphilis; however, a negative test may occur in 30% of patients with tabes dorsalis. The CSF VDRL may take years to become nonreactive after adequate therapy. In AIDS patients, serial CSF VDRL determinations may be needed when neurosyphilis is suspected. By requiring either a positive plasma RPR or FTA-ABS, seropositivity of CSF VDRL could increase to 90%.
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