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Recommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
Acceptable initial screening test for syphilis (traditional algorithm). May use to confirm reactive treponemal test (eg, EIA, CIA) (reverse algorithm). Acceptable test for monitoring treatment response in established syphilis.
Methodology
Process(es) used to perform the test.
Semi-Quantitative Flocculation
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.
1-2 days
New York DOH Approval Status
Indicates test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York DOH approved.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
Collect
Plain red or serum separator tube.
Specimen Preparation
Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP standard transport tube (Min: 0.4 mL)
Storage/Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Unacceptable Conditions
CSF or other body fluids. Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, or severely lipemic specimens.
Remarks
Stability
After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval
Normal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
Nonreactive
Interpretive Data
Background information for test. May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, details of testing, associated diseases, explanation of possible patient results.
VDRL as a screening test is less sensitive than RPR.
Compliance Category
FDA
Note
Additional information related to the test.
If VDRL is reactive, a titer will be added. Additional charges apply.
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.
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Aliases
Other names that describe the test. Synonyms.
Syphilis, Serum
Treponema pallidum, Serum
VDRL Reflex to titer
VDRL, Serum
Treponema pallidum (VDRL), Serum with Reflex to Titer