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Order Code VDSF VDRL, Spinal Fluid

Additional Codes

Epic Order ID LAB207

Reporting Name

VDRL, CSF

Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

CSF


Ordering Guidance


For assessment of intrathecally synthesized Treponema pallidum antibodies in spinal fluid (CSF) (ie, the method corrects for any passive diffusion of antibodies from serum into the CSF), order NSAIP / Neurosyphilis IgG Antibody Index with VDRL, Serum and 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.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Specimen Stability Information

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

Reference Values

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

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

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

Clinical Information

The 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.

Clinical Reference

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

Report Available

1 to 4 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject

Method Name

Flocculation/Agglutination

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.

Secondary ID

9028