The fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption (FTA-ABS) test is conducted on a sample of the client's serum that is layered onto a slide fixed with T. pallidum organisms. If the antibody is present, it will attach to the organisms and can subsequently be demonstrated by its reaction with fluorescein-labeled antiglobulin serum.

The FTA-ABS test rarely gives false-positive results, except sporadically in clients with SLE; the pattern of fluorescence may have an atypical beaded appearance in these cases. Elderly individuals and clients with immune complex diseases occasionally also have false-positive results.²⁸

• Negative

• False-positive results may occasionally occur in elderly individuals and in clients with SLE or other immune complex diseases.

• Confirmation of the presence of treponemal antibodies in the serum (Note: The test also may be applied to cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] to diagnose tertiary syphilis.)
• Verification of syphilis as the cause of positive VDRL and RPR test results

Nursing Care Before the Procedure

Client preparation is the same as that for any study involving the collection of a peripheral blood sample (see Appendix I).

• The client's history should be reviewed for possible sources of false-positive results.

A venipuncture is performed and the sample collected in a red-topped tube. The sample must be handled gently to avoid hemolysis and must be transported promptly to the laboratory.

Nursing Care After the Procedure

Care and assessment after the procedure are the same as for any study involving the collection of a peripheral blood sample.