Home Blog

CSF stands for cerebral spinal fluid. VDRL stands for venereal disease research laboratory test. The CSF – VDRL test is done to diagnose neurosyphilis. The test shows up antibodies called ‘reagins’, which the body produces in reaction to the bacteria which causes syphilis. Neurosyphilis infects the spinal cord or brain, and occurs in individuals with a long history of syphilis, which has not been treated for years. However, not everyone with syphilis gets infected with neurosyphilis.

Why is a CSF-VDRL Test Performed?

The CSF-VDRL test is performed on a sample of spinal fluid obtained by doing a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). While VDRL tests are usually performed on blood samples taken from the arm, a spinal fluid test is recommended when neurosyphilis (syphilis in the brain) is suspected.

Procedure of Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)

The entire procedure of a lumbar puncture, also referred to as a spinal tap, may take around 30 to 50 minutes.

• You will be asked to lie down on your side, with your chin tucked downward and you knees pulled up towards your chest. In some cases, the test may be done in a sitting position, but bent forward.
• Your health care provider, who is performing the test, may however ask you to straighten out a little after putting the needle in place. This is done to measure the CSF pressure.
• The back will be cleaned with an antiseptic, and a local anesthetic will be injected into the lower back to numb the pain.
• A spinal needle will now be inserted into the lower back, and a sample of spinal fluid will be drawn out.
• While the position may be uncomfortable, it is very important that you do not fidget or move. In case you move, there is a possibility of moving the needle too, which might injure the spinal cord.
• The needle will be removed and the site will be cleaned again, and bandaged.
• You may be asked to lie down for some time and rest.
• Sometimes, a procedure called fluoroscopy may be used. In this, special X-rays may be used in order to guide the needle into the proper point.

During CSF-VDRL Test

It is quite possible that the anesthesia will cause a burning or stinging sensation when it is injected. You may also feel a hard pressure and pain when the needle is being inserted, and goes through the tissues which surround the spinal cord. However, this should normally last only a few seconds.

Risks Involved in CSF-VDRL Test

• You may have an allergic reaction to the anesthetic.
• You may get a headache after the test.
• There may be some damage to the nerve roots or spinal cord.
• There may be some bleeding in the spine.