FTA-ABS

"Clinical Significance
FTA-ABS - The FTA-ABS is a specific treponemal assay to detect antibody to T. pallidum. The FTA-ABS becomes reactive 4-6 weeks after infection. Unlike the nontreponemal tests, once the FTA-ABS test becomes reactive, it will remain reactive for many years. Since the reactivity found with the FTA-ABS does not indicate response to therapy, it is not suitable for monitoring treatment. The FTA-ABS test does not distinguish between syphilis and other treponematoses such as yaws, pinta and bejil.

Preferred Specimen(s)
1 mL serum

Minimum Volume
0.2 mL

Transport Temperature
Room temperature

Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Setup Schedule, Transport Container, Reject Criteria"

Methodology
Immunofluorescent Assay (IFA)

Reference Range(s)
Non-Reactive

Alternative Name(s)
Fluorescent Treponemal Antigen,Syphilis Confirmation Test,Treponemal Antibody Fluorescent FTA