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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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FTA-ABS

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2320    Geisinger Epic ID:  34665

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Serum


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

1 mL aliquot serum; minimum 0.2 mL



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Allow to clot. Centrifuge 10 minutes at 3000 rpm. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles which can cause loss of antibody activity and give erroneous results.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature (preferred). Refrigerated or frozen specimen also acceptable.


Specimen stability: 

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


Rejection criteria: 

Stability limits exceeded.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

FTA-ABS nonreactive.


CPT code(s):  86780
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption.


Methodology: 
Immunofluorescence Assay
Synonyms: 

Treponemal palladium, fluorescent treponemal antigen, syphilis, 4112, FTAABS


Clinical significance: 

The FTA-ABS is a treponemal assay used to detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum. The FTA-ABS becomes reactive 4-6 weeks after infection. Unlike the nontreponemal (lipoidal antigen) 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 treponemal diseases such as yaws, pinta and bejel.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Randin Nelson MD
Review Date:  04/13/2026

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