Syphilis FTA-ABS

Syphilis is a bacteria sexually transmitted disease (STD) spread by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilis has three stages of disease progression, each progressing in severity the longer it is left untreated. Luckily, syphilis is easily treated with high dose penicillin. There are multiple tests that can be done to check for the presence of syphilis. The fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test is most useful around 3 to 4 weeks after first exposure to the bacteria. It detects the presence of treponemal antibodies in the blood, as well as the CSF. This test is highly specific for syphilis, and is done as a confirmation test after a positive RPR (rapid plasma reagin).

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Chancre on the genitals or throat
• Skin rash on palms and soles
• Fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and body aches
• Other STD
• Is pregnant
• Unprotected sex
• Multiple sexual partners
• Has HIV
• Partner with syphilis
• Positive RPR test

Also Known As: Syphilis RPR test