Ordering Recommendation

For CSF specimens, Treponema pallidum (VDRL), Cerebrospinal Fluid with Reflex to Titer is preferred. May aid in the workup of neurosyphilis.

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
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.

Remarks
Stability

Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 1 year

Methodology

Semi-Quantitative Indirect Fluorescent Antibody

Performed

Sun-Sat

Reported

1-3 days

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.

Treponema pallidum (VDRL), Cerebrospinal Fluid with Reflex to Titer (0050206) is the recommended test for CSF specimens.  If suspicion of neurosyphilis remains after VDRL testing, testing of the CSF with FTA-ABS may be considered.

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This test was performed in a CLIA certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes.

Compliance Category

Modified FDA

Note

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

86780

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
0055273 Fluorescent Treponema Antibody CSF 9826-9
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody
  • T pallidum IgG CSF by IFA
Treponema pallidum Antibody, IgG by IFA (CSF)