FTA-ABS blood test

FTA-ABS Blood Test: Overview

A FTA-ABS blood test is a type of test that is used to diagnose and monitor syphilis. It looks for antibodies to Treponema pallidum, which is the bacterium that causes syphilis. It is also known as a fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test.

Types of FTA-ABS Blood Tests

There are two types of FTA-ABS tests. The first type is the rapid test, which can detect syphilis antibodies within 60 to 90 minutes. The second type is the traditional test, which can take up to two weeks for results.

Preparation

No special preparation is needed for the FTA-ABS test. You should inform the doctor or lab technician about any medications you are taking so that they can take this into consideration when interpreting the results.

Procedure

The FTA-ABS test is a simple blood test that involves drawing a sample of blood from the patient. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results are usually available within one or two weeks depending on the type of test used.

Risks

The FTA-ABS test is a relatively low-risk test. There is a small risk of bleeding, infection, and/or bruising at the site of the blood draw. However, this risk is very minimal.

Why Is the FTA-ABS Blood Test Done?

The FTA-ABS blood test is used to diagnose and monitor syphilis. Syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health problems, including infertility and organ damage.

When Is the Test Done?

The FTA-ABS test is typically done when a person shows symptoms of syphilis or when the person has come into contact with someone who has the infection. It is also done during routine STI screenings.

Interpreting Results

If the FTA-ABS test is positive, it means that the patient has syphilis. The doctor may then order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. If the test is negative, it means that the patient does not currently have the infection.