Use

The test is useful for diagnosing neurosyphilis by detecting reaginic antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using a nontreponemal serologic test. This is associated with conditions such as pleocytosis and elevated protein in patients with prior syphilis infection. A positive VDRL result on spinal fluid is highly specific for neurosyphilis. However, a single negative result should not be used to exclude the disease; repeat testing may be necessary.