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FTA-ABS
Test CodeFTAABS
Quest Code
4112
CPT Codes
86780
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Transport Container
Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic
Methodology
Immunofluorescent Assay (IFA)
Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Fri; Report available: 1-4 days
Reference Range
Non-Reactive
Clinical Significance
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.
Performing Laboratory
| Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute |
| 14225 Newbrook Drive |
| Chantilly, VA 20153 |
