ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Treponema pallidum Antibody, IgG by IFA (CSF) : 0055273

Mnemonic: FTA CSF G

Ordering Recommendation: For CSF specimens, Treponema pallidum (VDRL), Cerebrospinal Fluid with Reflex to Titer is preferred. May aid in the workup of neurosyphilis.
Methodology: Semi-Quantitative Indirect Fluorescent Antibody
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: 1-4 days
Specimen Required: Collect: CSF.

Specimen Preparation: Transfer 1 mL CSF to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.2 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Serum. Contaminated, heat-inactivated, or hemolyzed specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 1 year
Reference Interval:
Nonreactive
Interpretive Data: The significance of a reactive result in the FTA-ABS CSF test is unknown. The CSF from persons treated in the secondary or latent stage of syphilis and without signs of neurosyphilis may be reactive. A nonreactive result in the FTA-ABS CSF test suggests the absence of neurosyphilis.

The FTA test is not recommended for cerebrospinal fluid specimens. For CSF specimens, Treponema pallidum (VDRL), Cerebrospinal Fluid with Reflex to Titer (0050206) test is recommended.

See Compliance Statement B: www.aruplab.com/CS
Note: Inconclusive final reports indicate the initial specimen submitted has been tested twice and cannot be interpreted as either reactive or nonreactive. If it is the second specimen submitted on a patient and the report is again inconclusive, it is impossible to state definitively that the patient does or does not have syphilitic infection.
CPT Code(s): 86780
Cross References: Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (Treponema pallidum Antibody, IgG by IFA (CSF))