Search our extensive Laboratory Test Directory to find test codes, ordering recommendations, specimen stability information, Test Fact Sheets, and more.
Recommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
For CSF specimens, Treponema pallidum (VDRL), Cerebrospinal Fluid with Reflex to Titer is preferred. May aid in the workup of neurosyphilis.
New York DOH Approval Status
Indicates whether a test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York state approved.
Specimen Required
Patient PreparationInstructions patient must follow before/during specimen collection.
CollectSpecimen type to collect. May include collection media, tubes, kits, etc.
CSF.
Specimen PreparationInstructions for specimen prep before/after collection and prior to transport.
Transfer 1 mL CSF to an ARUP standard transport tube. (Min: 0.2 mL)
Storage/Transport TemperaturePreferred temperatures for storage prior to and during shipping to ARUP. See Stability for additional info.
Refrigerated.
Unacceptable ConditionsCommon conditions under which a specimen will be rejected.
Serum. Contaminated, heat-inactivated, or hemolyzed specimens.
RemarksAdditional specimen collection, transport, or test submission information.
StabilityAcceptable times/temperatures for specimens. Times include storage and transport time to ARUP.
Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 1 year
Methodology
Process(es) used to perform the test.
Qualitative Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA)
Performed
Days of the week the test is performed.
Sun-Sat
Reported
Expected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
1-4 days
Reference Interval
Normal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
Nonreactive
Interpretive Data
May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, or details of testing.
The significance of a reactive result in the FTA-ABS CSF test is unknown. The CSF from persons treated in the secondary or latent stage of syphilis and without signs of neurosyphilis may be reactive. A nonreactive result in the FTA-ABS CSF test suggests the absence of neurosyphilis.
Treponema pallidum (VDRL), Cerebrospinal Fluid with Reflex to Titer (0050206) is the recommended test for CSF specimens. If suspicion of neurosyphilis remains after VDRL testing, testing of the CSF with FTA-ABS may be considered.
The American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
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