Update Type: Test Code Change
Test Updated: 06/18/2025
Test Overview
Test Methodology

NSCSF: ELISA
NSSER: Tech interpretation
VDSFT: Flocculation/Agglutination

Test Usage

This test should only be ordered in patients who are seropositive for syphilis in blood. Testing begins with syphilis IgG screening of the spinal fluid (CSF) specimen. If the screen is negative, no additional testing will be performed. If the CSF screen is reactive, the paired CSF and serum specimens will be used to establish the antibody index.
Samples that result as Syphilis Antibody Index negative do not undergo additional testing.
Samples that result as Syphilis Antibody Index positive or equivocal will be reflexed for VDRL testing to establish a semi-quantitative titer.

Reference Range *

Negative

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday- Sunday
Analytic Time

1 - 3 days

Soft Order Code
NSAIP
MiChart Code
Neurosyphilis IgG Ab Index w/VDRL, CSF
Synonyms
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid, VDRL
  • CSF, VDRL
  • Serologic Test for Syphilis, CSF
  • Spinal Fluid VDRL
  • VDRL-C
  • Rapid Plasma Reagin Equivalent, CSF
  • Syphilis Antibody Screen, CSF
  • RPR Equivalent, CSF
  • Treponema pallidum Antibody Screen, CSF
  • VDRL, CSF
Laboratory
Sendout
Reference Laboratory
Mayo NSAIP
Section
Special Testing
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Submit specimen collected in vial 2,3 or 4. Collect serum in an SST or red top tube. Spin, aliquot and refrigerate in a screw capped plastic tube. Rubber band together with the aliquot of CSF. Send to Specimen Processing refrigerated

Special Handling

This test requires paired CSF AND serum collected within a MAX of 24 hours apart, preferably at the same time.

Normal Volume
2.2 mL CSF AND 2.2 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1.5 mL CSF AND 1.5 mL serum
Storage Temperature
Refrigerated preferred, frozen acceptable
Additional Information

Test performed by Mayo Clinic Laboratories.

Billing
CPT Code
86780
Fee Code
21925
LOINC
5290-2
NY State Approved
No