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CSF-VDRL test - Results

Alternative Names

Venereal disease research laboratory slide test - CSF

Normal Values:

A negative result is normal.

However, false-negatives can occur. This means you can have syphilis and have a normal CSF-VDRL test result. Therefore, a negative test does not always rule out the disease. Other markers of inflammation, such as elevated protein levels or excess white blood cells, may be used to diagnose neurosyphilis.

What abnormal results mean:

A positive result is abnormal and indicates neurosyphilis.

CSF test for syphilis

Reviewed last on: 6/18/2007
Mark Levin, MD, Division of Infectious Disease, MacNeal Hospital, Berwyn, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Syphilis Infection: Recommendation Statement. Ann Fam Med 2004; 2: 362-365.

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