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HelpTest Code LAB1372 VDRL, Spinal Fluid
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic | Mayo Test ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| VDRL, CSF | LAB1372 | VDSF | VDSF |
Reporting Name
VDRL, CSFUseful 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
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
CSFSpecimen 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.
Forms: Cerebrospinal Fluid Lab Orders
See Special Instructions for a copy of the form.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSF | Frozen (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
86592
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| VDSF | VDRL, CSF | 5290-2 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 9028 | VDRL, CSF | 5290-2 |
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.Clinical Information
The Veneral Diseases Research Laboratory (VDRL) assay 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 result.
Interpretation
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
VDRL testing on spinal fluid gives a high percentage of false-negative results.
Method Description
The VDRL antigen and spinal fluid are mixed on a 180 RPM rotator. The antigen, a cardiolipin-lecithin coated cholesterol particle, flocculates in the presence of reagin.(US Department of Health, Education and Welfare, National Communicable Diseases Center, Venereal Disease Program: Manual of Tests for Syphilis. Centers for Disease Control; 1969; Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020)