CSF VDRL test

Alternative names:

venereal disease research laboratory test - CSF

What the risks are:

• Risks of lumbar puncture include:
  • hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to the anesthetic
  • discomfort during the test
  • headache after the test
  • bleeding into the spinal canal

• brain herniation (if performed on a person with increased intracranial pressure), and resulting in brain damage and/or death
• damage to the spinal cord (particularly if the person moves during the test)

Special considerations:

The CSF VDRL test can have false negative results in about one-third of the infected people in advanced stages. The rapid plasma reagin card test is an alternative for this test. The VDRL may also be done on a blood sample.