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Test Directory

FTA-ABS

Test Summary

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.

Aliases

  • N/A

Specimen Collection

Special Instructions

N/A

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Instructions

N/A

Patient Preparation

N/A

Storage

Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

  • Room temperature: 7 days
  • Refrigerated: 14 days
  • Frozen: 30 days

Limitations

N/A

Other Acceptable Specimens

N/A

Unacceptable Specimens

Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic

Order Code

FTA

EPIC (Premier) Code

LAB208

Includes

N/A

CPT Code

  • 86780

Billing Code

  • 670827
  • 670838

CPT Statement

Methodology

Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)

FDA Status

FDA Approved

Physician Attestation of Informed Consent

N/A

Testing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153

Department

Reference Testing

Reference Range

Non-Reactive

Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time

Monday - Friday; Report available: 1 - 4 days

Specimen Collection

Special Instructions

N/A

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Instructions

N/A

Patient Preparation

N/A

Storage

Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

  • Room temperature: 7 days
  • Refrigerated: 14 days
  • Frozen: 30 days

Limitations

N/A

Other Acceptable Specimens

N/A

Unacceptable Specimens

Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic

Billing

CPT Code

  • 86780

Billing Code

  • 670827
  • 670838

CPT Statement

Result Information

Methodology

Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)

Testing Laboratory

N/A

Reference Range

Non-Reactive

Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time

Monday - Friday; Report available: 1 - 4 days