What is the FTA – ABS test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
It stands for fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test. FTA – ABS is a blood test to detect the antibodies against bacteria, treponema pallidum. This bacterium is responsible for causing syphilis.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), caused by a bacterium, treponema pallidum. It spreads through direct contact with the syphilitic sores which are present on the penis, vagina, or rectum.
FTA – ABS test is done to check for antibodies to T. pallidum. It becomes reactive after 6-7 weeks of infection. This test confirms the results of rapid plasma regain (RPR) and venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL).
It remains positive for life once infected so cannot help in diagnosing active syphilis.
Usually, it is done after some tests for syphilis like RPR and VDRL. You are recommended to get this test done if you have the following symptoms:
Negative or normal results mean you do not have current or any past infection from treponema pallidum.
Positive results mean you have syphilis infection either presently or previously. It will remain reactive for a lifetime even if you’ve been treated for syphilis completely.
As it remains reactive for a lifetime to T. pallidum even after the treatment, it cannot be used to monitor the treatment. Also, it cannot help with the diagnosis of syphilis.
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** The text on this website is sourced from websites like emedicine and/or other verified material by government agencies around the globe along with valuable inputs and additions by our team. The content of this page is proofread and updated by the team of doctors, every once in a while, to provide the most accurate information.
