TEST CATALOG ORDERING & RESULTS SPECIMEN HANDLING CUSTOMER SERVICE EDUCATION & INSIGHTS
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Test ID: VDSF    
VDRL, Spinal Fluid

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Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Aiding in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis

Testing Algorithm Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.

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

 

See Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm in Special Instructions.

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

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 (CSF) 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 Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

A positive VDRL result on spinal fluid is highly specific for neurosyphilis.

 

A single negative VDRL result should not be used to exclude neurosyphilis and repeat testing on a new specimen may be necessary.

 

Positive results will be titered.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

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

Clinical Reference Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Miller JN: Value and limitations of nontreponemal and treponemal tests in the laboratory diagnosis of syphilis. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 1975;18:191-203

2. Radolf JD, Tramont EC, Salazar JC: Syphilis (Treponema pallidum). In Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020:2865-2892

Special Instructions Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test