Test Details
Methodology
Agglutination
Result 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.
Use
This syphilis VDRL is a nontreponemal assay used to aid in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis.
Custom 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%.
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
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerate | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
| Freeze/Thaw Cycle | Stable x3 |
Reference Range
Nonreactive
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; gross bacterial contamination
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 006445 | VDRL, CSF | 22459-2 | 006445 | VDRL, CSF | 22459-2 | |
| Order Code | 006445 | |||||
| Order Code Name | VDRL, CSF | |||||
| Order Loinc | 22459-2 | |||||
| Result Code | 006445 | |||||
| Result Code Name | VDRL, CSF | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 22459-2 |