Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 59

The test of choice to detect neurosyphilis is the:

A. RPR

B. VDRL

C. FAB

D. FTA-ABS

Step 1 of 2

Neurosyphilis:

It is an infection caused by Spirochete Treponema pallidum in spinal cord and brain.

• Neurosyphilis in cerebrospinal fluid is detected by serologic testing

Tests to detect neurosyphilis:

• Venereal disease research laboratories (VDRL)

• Fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption (FTA-ABS)

• Rapid plasma regain(RPR)

FTA-ABS:

• Rapid plasma regain is not recommended as it is less sensitive

• VDRL is not sensitive compared to FTA-ABS

• If FTA-ABS is used, blood contamination should be prevented

Therefore, “FTA-ABS” is a recommended test of choice to detect neurosyphilis. Hence, the correct answer is option.