Test ID VDSF VDRL, Spinal Fluid
Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis
Method Name
Floculation/Agglutination
Reporting Name
VDRL, CSFSpecimen Type
CSFCollection Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Neurology Test Request Form-General (T732) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/neurology-request-form.pdf)
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
CSF | Frozen (preferred) | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Clinical Information
The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) is a nontreponemal serologic test for syphilis that uses a cardiolipin-cholesterol-lecithin antigen to detect reaginic antibodies.
The presence of neurosyphilis in untreated patients can be detected by the presence of pleocytosis, elevated protein, and a positive VDRL.
Reference Values
Negative
Positive results will be titered.
Cautions
The Venereal Disease Research Laboratories (VDRL) on spinal fluid gives a high percentage of false-negatives.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday 12 p.m.
Report Available
1 dayPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86592