VDRL, CSF Test
VDRL, CSF Test
The VDRL CSF or Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test for CSF is a test used to diagnose neurosyphilis. Neurosyphilis is a severe form of syphilis that affects the nervous system. It is a screening test to detect antibodies produced against syphilis-causing bacteria (Treponema pallidum) in CSF.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus. If syphilis is not treated, the bacteria subsequently attack the spinal cord, brain, and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. There are conditions other than syphilis that can give a positive VDRL test like leprosy, malignancy, pregnancy, hepatitis, lupus, etc. The treatment of neurosyphilis typically involves antibiotics, such as penicillin, administered intravenously. The early detection and treatment of
What is a VDRL, CSF test used for?
This test is used to diagnose neurosyphilis in people suggestive of neurological involvement such as dementia, seizures, headache, or weakness in limbs. It is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for neurosyphilis.
Neurosyphilis may cause the following symptoms
Vomiting and nausea
Headaches
Neck stiffness
Muscle weakness
Poor coordination and balance
Walking difficulty
Bladder problems
Hearing loss
Changes in vision
Stroke
Personality and mood changes
Preparation for test
This test is done with a CSF sample i.e., cerebrospinal fluid taken through a spinal tap. A physician puts a needle in the spine and the CSF fluid sample is taken out into a sterile container. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Interpretation of the test results
The test report is either positive or negative. A positive result indicates that antibodies against the bacteria are present in the CSF and the patient may have neurosyphilis. However, it is possible to get a false positive test result. It happens when a patient has conditions other than neurosyphilis which give a positive test result. A negative test result means that the CSF sample has no syphilis bacteria or antibodies against it.
FAQs
Are there any risks associated with a VDRL, CSF test?
This test can rarely cause the following complications following the lumbar puncture procedure:
· Headache
· Infection
· Bleeding
· Back pain
· Brain herniation
· Nerve pain or numbness
Can a positive VDRL, CSF test result be considered a conclusive diagnosis of neurosyphilis?
No. In many conditions other than neurosyphilis, the VDRL, CSF test may be positive. Therefore, a positive CSF VDRL test does not conclusively diagnose neurosyphilis. The physician may have to correlate clinically or order more tests for final confirmation.
What is a false positive VDRL, CSF test?
In many conditions other than neurosyphilis, the VDRL, CSF test may be positive. Such a test result is called a false positive VDRL, CSF test.
Which conditions can give a false positive VDRL, CSF test?
The following conditions can give a false positive VDRL, CSF test result:
· Hepatitis
· Pneumonia
· Tuberculosis
· Rheumatic heart disease
· Leprosy
· Immunization
· Measles
· Mumps
· Vasculitis
· Pregnancy
· Leprosy
What is a false negative VDRL, CSF test?
During early and late-stage syphilis, it is possible to get a negative VDRL, CSF test result. This is called a false negative test. In such a situation, confirmatory tests such as fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) tests should be done to make a diagnosis of syphilis.
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