Test Directory
7484 Donor: FTA Abs
Specimen Type
Specimen Stability
Reference Range
Serum-SST
7 days 2-8°C
Non-Reactive
Specimen Requirements
Preferred amount: 1.0 mL Serum
Minimum amount: 0.5 mL Serum
Minimum amount: 0.5 mL Serum
Method
Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFA)
Schedule
Mon,Thu
Turn-Around Time
1-4 Days
Instructions/Notes
Centrifuge required?: Yes
Clinical Utility
A reactive FTA-ABS test confirms the presence of treponemal antibodies but does not indicate the stage or presence of active infection. The FTA-ABS does not distinguish between syphilis and other treponemal infections. Once the FTA-ABS becomes positive, it remains so for long periods, regardless of therapy. False positive reactions have been associated with diseases with increased or abnormal globulins, patients with lupus erythematosus, positive Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) and during pregnancy.
CPT Codes
86780
