Ordering Guidance

This test should be ordered in patients with suspected neurosyphilis who are confirmed seropositive in blood.

For syphilis testing on serum, order SYPH1 / Syphilis IgG with Reflex, Enzyme Immunoassay, Serum or SYPH2 / Syphilis IgG with Reflex, Enzyme Immunoassay, Serum.

Additional Testing Requirements

Although a small percentage of patients with neurosyphilis may be seronegative, it is recommended that all patients tested by this assay are first confirmed seropositive for syphilis in blood.

Specimen Required

Both spinal fluid (CSF) and serum are required for this test. CSF and serum must be collected within a maximum of 24 hours of each other.

Specimen Type: Spinal fluid

Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 2.2 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. The spinal fluid (CSF) specimen must be collected within 24 hours of the serum specimen, preferably at the same time.

2. The CSF aliquot should be from the second, third, or fourth CSF vial collected during the lumbar puncture. Do not submit CSF from the first vial due to the possibility of blood contamination, which will cause specimen rejection.

3. Label vial as spinal fluid or CSF.

4. Band CSF specimen together with the serum sample.

Specimen Type: Serum

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 2.2 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Within 24 hours of collection of the spinal fluid specimen, a serum specimen must also be collected, preferably at the same time.

2. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.

3. Label tube as serum.

4. Band serum specimen together with the CSF sample.