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Epic Test Code LAB3902 VDRL, Spinal Fluid

Additional Codes

MML Code: VDSF

LIS Code: VDRC

NY State Approved

Yes

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Reporting Name

VDRL, CSF

Method Name

Flocculation/Agglutination

Specimen Stability Information

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


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 Type

CSF

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Reference Values

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

Report Available

1 to 4 days

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

CPT Code Information

86592

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject

Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis

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.

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

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.