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Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) Test for CSF

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Requisition Forms

Reference Details

Description:

Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) Test for the determination of lipoidal antibody titres present in CSF as a result of infection by treponemes or other, nontreponemal diseases that cause tissue damage.

Test Category:
Serology
Pathogen:
Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum
Laboratory:
Sexually Transmitted and Opportunistic Pathogens
Illnesses and Diseases:
  • Syphilis
Specimen:

CSF – minimum of 0.5 mL. The same CSF sample is used in the VDRL-CSF test, the FTA-ABS on CSF test and molecular detection by conventional PCR.

Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume, or are not accompanied by relevant patient information.

Collection Method:

N/A

Specimen Processing, Storage and Shipping:

Store samples refrigerated or frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen samples on dry ice, and refrigerated samples on wet ice

Transportation of Dangerous Goods:

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Patient Criteria:

Suspected of syphilis infection.

Accompanying Documentation:

Completed Sexually Transmitted and Opportunistic Infections requisition form including sender lab name, address and telephone number. Patient identifier (specimen reference #), date of birth and sex. Date collected and test requested.

Comments:

N/A

Methods and Interpretation of Results:

The VDRL test is a non-treponemal serologic procedure used to detect antibodies to cardiolipin released during active Treponema pallidum infection. Reactive specimens are titrated using serial dilutions to determine antibody titer based on flocculation observed microscopically (1).

Testing was performed, in whole or in part, with an unlicensed medical device obtained under Special Access.

VDRL is the standard non-treponemal test used for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens in the laboratory evaluation of neurosyphilis.

Turnaround Time:

20 calendar days. Contact the laboratory prior to submission of urgent clinical specimens.

Contact:
Phone #: (204) 789-6024
Fax: (204) 318-2222
Email: nml.stop-lnm.psto@phac-aspc.gc.ca
References:
  1. Larsen SA, Pope V, Johnson RE, Kennedy EJ Jr. A Manual of Tests for Syphilis. 9th ed. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association; 1998.
Fact Sheets:

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Treponema pallidum

Guidelines:

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network national syphilis laboratory testing recommendations: INTRODUCTION

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network laboratory guidelines for the use of serological tests (excluding point-of-care tests) for the diagnosis of syphilis in Canada

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network laboratory guidelines for the use of direct tests to detect syphilis in Canada

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network laboratory guidelines for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis in Canada

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network laboratory guidelines for congenital syphilis and syphilis screening in pregnant women in Canada

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network laboratory guidelines for the use of point-of-care tests for the diagnosis of syphilis in Canada

Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections

National Case Definition : Syphilis

Related Information:

Syphilis