FLUORESCENT TREPONEMAL ANTIBODY (FTA-ABS) in Baguiati, Kolkata

Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS): Price, Purpose, Range & Reports 

Test Overview

The Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption Test (FTA-ABS) is a highly reliable and specific blood test used as a definitive confirmatory test for Syphilis, an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Unlike non-treponemal screening tests (like VDRL or RPR), the FTA-ABS test directly detects antibodies produced by the body against the core components of the Treponema pallidum bacterium.

Because these specific antibodies generally remain in the bloodstream for life, the FTA-ABS test is crucial for confirming a true infection, especially when screening tests yield borderline or uncertain results. If you are searching for the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) price or a comprehensive test near me, Apollo 24|7 provides convenient access to accredited testing services with secure and timely report delivery.

What is the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test?

The Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption (FTA-ABS) test is a specialised blood test used to detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. It is considered a confirmatory test and is typically performed after an initial screening test, such as the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) or Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test, returns a positive result.

The FTA-ABS test works by using fluorescent-labelled antibodies to identify specific treponemal antibodies in the patient's serum. A positive result indicates that the person has been infected with Treponema pallidum at some point, although it does not distinguish between current and past infections. Because treponemal antibodies can remain in the body for life, clinical history and other test results are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

What is the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Price?

The cost of the FTA-ABS test reflects its status as a highly specialised, manual, and often confirmatory procedure that requires skilled laboratory technologists and specialised equipment (fluorescence microscopy).

Factors Affecting the Test Cost

The final price is influenced by these essential quality and service factors:

• Test Specificity and Manual Effort: The FTA-ABS is a technically demanding test requiring careful preparation and manual reading under a microscope, making it more expensive than automated screening tests.
• Specialised Reagents: The test relies on specific T. pallidum antigen and fluorescent conjugates, contributing to the overall cost.
• Quality Assurance: The fee covers processing at NABL-accredited Apollo laboratories, ensuring the results are reliable and consistently meet high diagnostic standards for infectious disease confirmation.
• Service Type: Opting for home sample collection may slightly adjust the total cost due to convenience and travel charges.

To find the most accurate and current Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) price near me, please check the Apollo 24|7 app or website for real-time pricing specific to your location.

What is the Purpose of the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test?

The primary purpose of the FTA-ABS test is to provide highly specific confirmation of syphilis infection, particularly in complex clinical scenarios.

• Confirmatory Diagnosis of Syphilis: This is the most common use, confirming a positive or equivocal result obtained from a non-treponemal screening test (RPR or VDRL).
• Diagnosis of Late-Stage Syphilis: It is often used to diagnose late, latent, or tertiary syphilis, as non-treponemal screening tests may become negative over time in these stages, while the treponemal FTA-ABS typically remains reactive.
• Evaluation of Past Infection: Since the test usually remains positive for life, it distinguishes individuals who have had a past, successfully treated infection from those who are currently infected and newly diagnosed (when paired with a screening test).
• Testing in Special Cases: Used when clinical suspicion is high but non-treponemal tests are negative, such as very early primary syphilis or sometimes in cases of neurosyphilis.

Who Should Get the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test Done?

This test is typically ordered by a physician when an individual has tested positive for syphilis using a non-treponemal screening method, or if there is clinical suspicion of syphilis in specific circumstances.

You may be advised to take this test if:

• You have received a positive or inconclusive result from an RPR or VDRL screening test for syphilis.
• Your physician suspects late, latent, or tertiary syphilis, where the screening tests might be negative.
• You are being tested for other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and the physician includes FTA-ABS as a confirmatory measure.
• You have symptoms of primary syphilis (painless sore/chancre), and the initial screening tests were negative, as the body may not have produced enough antibodies yet for less sensitive tests.
• You have unexplained systemic symptoms (e.g., rashes, neurological issues) and the physician is investigating syphilis as a potential cause.

Components of Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS)

This specialised serological test detects antibodies directed against Treponema pallidum, the bacterium responsible for syphilis. Using fluorescent antibody technology, the assay identifies specific IgG and IgM antibodies in the patient’s serum, confirming exposure or infection. The test employs an advanced immunofluorescence method to provide high sensitivity and specificity, particularly for confirming treponemal infection following a reactive screening test.

Understanding a Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Report

The FTA-ABS test provides a qualitative result, indicating the presence or absence of the specific antibodies against Treponema pallidum.

Interpretation Note: Because the FTA-ABS measures treponemal antibodies (antibodies against the bacteria themselves), a reactive result is highly specific to syphilis. Unlike non-treponemal tests (RPR/VDRL), the FTA-ABS result does not revert to negative after treatment in most cases. A positive result confirms lifetime exposure.

Preparation and Procedure for the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test

The FTA-ABS test requires minimal patient preparation and involves a standard blood draw.

How Is the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test Performed?

• Sample Collection: A trained phlebotomist collects a small venous blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm.
• Sample Processing: The blood sample is processed to separate the serum, which contains the antibodies.
• Testing Method: The serum is subjected to the specialised FTA-ABS procedure, where technicians manually examine the prepared slide under a fluorescence microscope to check for the characteristic fluorescent binding pattern.

Is Fasting Needed Before the Test?

No, fasting is not required for the FTA-ABS test. Food and drink do not affect the detection of syphilis antibodies in the serum.

Can Medications Affect the Test Results?

Standard medications, including antibiotics, generally do not interfere with the detection of treponemal antibodies by the FTA-ABS test. However, you must inform your doctor about all current medications, as they may influence the results of accompanying non-treponemal tests.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Take the Test?

The test can be performed at any time of day. Antibody levels are stable throughout the day.

How Frequently Is the Test Needed?

The FTA-ABS test is typically performed once to confirm syphilis after a positive screening result. Because treponemal antibodies remain in the body for life, repeat testing is usually not necessary unless there is a specific clinical reason, such as evaluating a new exposure or reassessing a diagnosis in a complex case.

Booking the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test Online & Checking Reports

Apollo 24|7 simplifies the process of scheduling this specialised diagnostic test and accessing your results.

A. What are the Steps to Schedule the Test on Apollo 24|7?

1. Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application and search for Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS).
2. Review the latest test price for your city and click the ‘Book Now’ button.
3. Select your preferred date and a convenient time slot for home sample collection.
4. Complete the secure online payment. You will receive immediate confirmation and preparation details.

B. How Do I Access My Test Results Online on Apollo 24|7?

1. Log in to your Apollo 24|7 account using your registered phone number or email ID.
2. Go to the ‘Health Records’ or ‘My Reports’ section on your dashboard.
3. Click on the test name to view your detailed, NABL-certified report as soon as it is available.
4. You can easily view the report online or download it in PDF format to share instantly with your physician.

Conclusion

The Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption (FTA-ABS) test is a highly specific and reliable method for confirming syphilis infection. By detecting antibodies directed against Treponema pallidum, it plays a critical role in distinguishing true infections from false positives that may arise from initial screening tests.

Because treponemal antibodies typically remain in the body for life, the FTA-ABS test is especially valuable for identifying past or late-stage infections. When performed through accredited diagnostic services like Apollo 24|7, it ensures the accuracy and confidence needed for effective diagnosis, treatment planning, and public health management.