Brief Answer:
CSF VDRL; WBC in CSF > 20; Intrathecal TPAI

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I understand that you think that the tests that you conducted most recently may return a negative result just because they are primarily used to test for syphilis, but please note that FTA-ABS returns a positive result even after the individual has received successful treatment for syphilis.

So to even suspect neurosyphilis, you should have at least had syphilis first, as neurosyphilis is not an independent condition and occurs only as a complication of syphilis itself.

But either way, if you wish to go ahead with the CSF testing then the tests used to confirm/rule out neurosyphilis using CSF are:

+WBC in the CSF should be above 20 cells/ /µL
+Positive intrathecal TPAI (T. pallidum antibody index)
+Reactive CSF VDRL

and of the above tests reporting a positive/reactive result can be used to confirm neurosyphilis, and not all need to return a positive/reactive result.

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative sir. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

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Brief Answer:
Best to rule out all suspicions and doubts

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.

He may have chosen to conduct those tests to adequately rule out neurosyphilis, and I think this suffices for testing and confirming/ruling out neurosyphilis sir; you need not request for the FTA-ABS on your CSF as well.

Hope this helps, and I also hope neurosyphilis is adequately ruled out sir.

Best of luck.

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