How Does the FTA-ABS Test Compare to Other Syphilis Tests?
While non-treponemal tests like RPR and VDRL are useful for initial screening and monitoring treatment response due to their ability to quantify antibody levels, the FTA-ABS test is more specific and used for confirmation of syphilis diagnosis. The FTA-ABS test is not affected by the prozone phenomenon, which can cause false negatives in non-treponemal tests when antibody levels are very high.
