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Test ID VDSF VDRL, Spinal Fluid


Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Submit specimen collected in vial 2, if possible. If not, note which vial from which the aliquot was obtained.


Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
VDSFQ VDRL Titer, CSF No No

Testing Algorithm

If this test is positive, a VDRL titer will be performed at an additional charge.

 

For more information, see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm.

Method Name

Flocculation/Agglutination

Reporting Name

VDRL, CSF

Specimen Type

CSF

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
CSF Frozen (preferred) 14 days
  Refrigerated  14 days

Clinical Information

VDRL is a nontreponemal serologic test for syphilis that uses a cardiolipin-cholesterol-lecithin antigen to detect reaginic antibodies. The VDRL test performed on cerebrospinal fluid can be used to diagnose neurosyphilis in patients with a prior history of syphilis infection.

 

The presence of neurosyphilis in untreated patients can be detected by the presence of pleocytosis, elevated protein, and a positive VDRL.

Reference Values

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

Cautions

VDRL testing on spinal fluid gives a high percentage of false-negative results.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

1 to 4 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US 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

NY State Approved

Yes