Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test
A negative or non-reactive result indicates no current or past infection with syphilis.
A positive FTA-ABS usually indicates infection with syphilis. This test result will remain positive for life even if syphilis has been adequately treated. Therefore, it cannot be used to monitor the treatment of syphilis.
Other illnesses such as yaws and pinta may also result in positive FTA-ABS results.