FTA-ABS Test in Pregnancy

Abstract

The fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test has gained wide acceptance as the standard by which the diagnosis of syphilis is confirmed and false-positive reactions to reagin tests for syphilis are defined. A probable false-positive reaction to the FTA-ABS test was observed in a patient during pregnancy. This emphasizes the need for continued caution in the interpretation of the results of a single FTA-ABS test without adequate historical and clinical information.