Alternate Names: Venereal disease research laboratory test - CSF

How Performed: The test is usually performed on a CSF sample obtained by lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

The cerebrospinal fluid is then analyzed in the lab and tested for the presence of an antibody for the spirochete that causes syphilis.

How To Prepare: You must sign a consent form. You must be prepared to remain in the hospital for at least the 6 to 8 hours that you must remain flat.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child’s age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child’s age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How It Feels: The position may be uncomfortable, but it is imperative that you remain in the curled position to avoid moving the needle and possibly injuring the spinal cord.

The scrub will feel cold and wet. The anesthetic will sting or burn when first injected. There will be a hard pressure sensation when the needle is inserted, and there is usually some brief pain when the needle goes through the meninges. This pain should stop in a few seconds. Overall, discomfort is minimal to moderate. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes but may take longer. The actual pressure measurements and fluid collection only takes a few minutes.

Risks:

• Risks of lumbar puncture include:
  • hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to the anesthetic
  • discomfort during the test
  • headache after the test
  • bleeding into the spinal canal
• brain herniation (if performed on a person with increased intracranial pressure), and resulting in brain damage and/or death
• damage to the spinal cord (particularly if the person moves during the test)

Why Performed: The VDRL test is used to test for syphilis. It may also be used to monitor response to the treatment.

Normal Values: No presence of antibodies (negative or nonreactive test) is normal.

Abnormal Results: A reactive VDRL test when using a CSF sample indicates neurosyphilis.

Cost:

Special Considerations: The CSF VDRL test can have false negative results in about one-third of the infected people in advanced stages. The rapid plasma reagin card test is an alternative for this test. The VDRL may also be done on a blood sample.