What is the major reason in taking an FTA-ABS test?

• A. Confirmation of a positive test result from a non-treponemal screening test.
• B. To gauge the effectiveness of syphilis treatment.
• C. To distinguish between the varying stages of syphilis.
• D. To serve as a diagnostic tool in determining the origin of a syphilis infection.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what the FTA-ABS test is. The FTA-ABS (Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption) test is a treponemal test used in the diagnosis of syphilis, which detects antibodies specific to the Treponema pallidum bacterium.
2. Step 2: Recognize the role of non-treponemal screening tests, such as the VDRL or RPR tests, which are typically used first to screen for syphilis because they detect nonspecific antibodies produced during infection.
3. Step 3: Know that non-treponemal tests can sometimes produce false-positive results due to other conditions, so a more specific test like the FTA-ABS is used to confirm a positive screening result.
4. Step 4: Understand that the FTA-ABS test is not primarily used to gauge treatment effectiveness, distinguish stages of syphilis, or determine the origin of infection, but rather to confirm the presence of syphilis after an initial positive screening.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the major reason for taking an FTA-ABS test is to confirm a positive result from a non-treponemal screening test, ensuring accurate diagnosis before proceeding with treatment.