ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

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

Test Mnemonic: FTA CSF G
Methodology: Indirect Fluorescent Antibody

Performed: Sun-Sat

Reported: 1-4 days

Specimen Required:  
Collect: CSF.

Transport: 1 mL CSF at 2-8°C. (Min: 0.5 mL)  Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.

Pediatric Collection/Transport: 0.2 mL CSF at 2-8°C.

Unacceptable Conditions: Serum.  Heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, or contaminated specimens.

Stability: Ambient: 2 days; 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.

Please refer to Statement E in the Compliance Statements section in the front of the Laboratory Test Directory.



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):
86781