Printable VersionCSF-VDRL test
Definition
The CSF-VDRL test is used to help diagnose neurosyphilis. It looks for substances called reagins, which are sometimes produced by the body in reaction to the syphilis-causing bacteria.
Alternative Names
Venereal disease research laboratory slide test - CSF
How the test is performed
A sample of spinal fluid is needed. For information on how this is taken, see: Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Why the test is performed
The CSF-VDRL test is done to diagnose syphilis in the brain or spinal cord. Brain and spinal cord involvement is usually a sign of late stage syphilis.
Blood screening tests (VDRL and RPR) are better at detecting middle stage (secondary) syphilis.
Normal Values
A negative result is normal.
However, false-negatives can occur. This means you can have syphilis even if this test is normal. Therefore, a negative test does not always rule out the infection. Other signs and tests may be used to diagnose neurosyphilis.
What abnormal results mean
A positive result is abnormal and is a sign of neurosyphilis.
References
Tramont EC. Treponema pallidum (Syphilis). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 238.
Fletcher JJ, Nathan BR. Cerebrospinal fluid and intracranial pressure. In: Goetz, CG, eds. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 26.
Workowski KA, Berman S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2010. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2010 Dec 17;59(RR-12):1-110.
Hook EW III. Syphilis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 327.
Review Date: 8/15/2012
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC,
also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC'saccreditation
program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorousstandards of quality and
accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health
information andservices. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorialpolicy,
editorialprocess,
and privacypolicy.
A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net
Foundation (www.hon.ch.)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or
for the diagnosis or treatmentof any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted
for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to
other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 2013 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication ordistribution of the
information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
