Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Multiple punctures to locate veins
Special considerations:
This screening test for syphilis is usually performed on blood. If an individual is suspected of having brain involvement with syphilis (neurosyphilis), the VDRL test may be performed on spinal fluid.
References:
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Syphilis Infection: Recommendation Statement. Ann Fam Med 2004; 2: 362-365.
Review Date: 6/10/2005
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial and Eleftherios Mylonakis, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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