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DNA Labs India

Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test

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Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test

Short Name: FTA-ABS Test

Also known as: Treponemal Antibody Test, FTA-ABS

Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹3,500. Uses Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay on Serum samples. Results in Next day. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Blood Test🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal

Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal

Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

To confirm syphilis infection by detecting treponemal antibodies in the blood, aiding in accurate diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions.

Test Code
616
Price
₹3,500
Sample Type
Serum
Result Time
Next day
Fasting Required
No
Method
Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay
Step 1

Sample Collection

No special preparation or fasting required.

Method: Venipuncture

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Apply pressure to the puncture site with a cotton ball to stop bleeding; minor bruising may occur.

Timeline: Next day

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No preparation is needed; inform your doctor about any medications or health conditions.
2
During the Test:The test involves a simple blood draw from the arm, which takes only a few minutes.
3
After the Test:You can resume normal activities immediately; apply bandage if needed and watch for minor bruising.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

To confirm syphilis infection by detecting treponemal antibodies in the blood, aiding in accurate diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions.

How to Prepare

  • Use SST (Serum Separator Tube) for sample collection
  • Ship sample refrigerated or frozen to maintain stability
  • Ensure minimum sample volume of 1 mL serum

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670

"The FTA-ABS test is a gold standard for confirming syphilis due to its high sensitivity and specificity. It is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, especially in cases with ambiguous symptoms."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeSerum
Sample Volume2 mL
ContainerSST (Serum Separator Tube)
Collection MethodVenipuncture

Sample Stability

Room Temperature: 6 hours
Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1 week
Frozen (-20°C): 2 weeks
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Hemolyzed or lipemic sample
  • Insufficient sample volume
  • Improperly labeled or contaminated sample
  • Sample stored beyond stability period

Understanding Your Results

Results indicate the presence or absence of treponemal antibodies, which help confirm syphilis infection.
📊

Negative

No detectable treponemal antibodies, suggesting no exposure to syphilis bacteria or very early infection before antibody development.

📊

Positive

Presence of treponemal antibodies, indicating past or current syphilis infection. Further clinical evaluation and testing are recommended to determine infection stage and treatment.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult a doctor immediately if you test positive, have symptoms of syphilis, or have been exposed to the infection for appropriate treatment and monitoring.

Limitations

  • ⚠Cannot distinguish between active and past infections
  • ⚠May yield false positives in other treponemal diseases
  • ⚠Does not indicate the stage of syphilis infection
  • ⚠Requires clinical correlation for definitive diagnosis

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Minor bruising or pain at the blood draw site
  • ●Rare risk of infection or dizziness
  • ●No significant risks associated with the test itself

Interfering Factors

  • ●Hemolyzed blood sample
  • ●Recent antibiotic treatment (e.g., penicillin)
  • ●Other treponemal infections like yaws or pinta
  • ●Autoimmune conditions that may cause false positives

Compare With Similar Tests

TestFluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test
ComparisonFluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FTA-ABS test?
The FTA-ABS test is a confirmatory blood test for syphilis that detects specific antibodies to Treponema pallidum, the bacteria causing syphilis.
Why is the FTA-ABS test done?
It is done to confirm a syphilis diagnosis after a positive screening test (like RPR) or when symptoms are present, due to its high accuracy.
How is the FTA-ABS test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from your vein, sent to a lab, and analyzed using indirect immunofluorescence to detect treponemal antibodies.
What do positive and negative results mean?
A positive result indicates exposure to syphilis bacteria and antibody presence; a negative result suggests no exposure or very early infection.
Is the FTA-ABS test accurate?
Yes, it has high sensitivity and specificity, making it reliable for confirming syphilis, though false positives can occur rarely.
How much does the FTA-ABS test cost at DNA Labs India?
The test costs INR 3500, including free home sample collection across many cities in India.
Is home sample collection available for this test?
Yes, DNA Labs India offers free home collection for online bookings in numerous cities nationwide.
How long does it take to get FTA-ABS test results?
Results are typically available the next day after sample collection, depending on location and lab schedule.
What are the common symptoms of syphilis that may require this test?
Symptoms include painless sores, rash on palms/soles, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and hair loss.
Can the FTA-ABS test detect past syphilis infections?
Yes, it detects antibodies that may persist after infection, so a positive result could indicate past or current infection.
What should I do if I test positive for syphilis?
Consult a healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation, treatment (usually antibiotics), and partner notification.
Is the FTA-ABS test covered by insurance in India?
Coverage varies by insurance scheme; typically, it may not be fully covered, but check with your provider for specific details.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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For Hospitals & Clinics

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