Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test in Dubai – 550 AED – DHA Licensed Confirmatory Syphilis Serology

Executive Summary & Core Metrics

Executive Summary

Our FTA-ABS test delivers 99.9% diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for confirmatory syphilis serology. Processed in an ISO 9001:2015 accredited laboratory (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139), the assay strictly complies with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. The service includes VIP mobile phlebotomy and temperature-controlled cold-chain home collection available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM, telephonic post-test clinical guidance, and direct insurance billing verification via WhatsApp +971 54 548 8731.

Core Metrics: Price – 550 AED | Turnaround – Next-day reporting | Sample – Serum (2 mL SST) | DHA License – 1143

Test Overview & Methodology

This confirmatory treponemal test detects antibodies to Treponema pallidum using indirect immunofluorescence (IFA), providing definitive syphilis diagnosis. The FTA-ABS serves as the gold standard for resolving discordant serology, ensuring diagnostic accuracy in both early and late-stage infections. The IFA methodology offers superior specificity compared to alternative treponemal assays, minimising false-positive results and supporting confident clinical decision-making.

Feature	Our FTA-ABS Test	TPPA / Alternative Treponemal Test
Precision (Sensitivity / Specificity)	99.9% confirmed specificity via IFA	95–99% specificity; variable sensitivity
Methodology	Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) – gold-standard confirmatory	Particle agglutination (TPPA) or enzyme immunoassay (EIA)
Turnaround Time	Next-day reporting (samples accepted Tue / Fri by 6 pm)	Usually 1–2 working days
Home Collection & Cold Chain	Included; ISO-certified refrigerated transport	Often unavailable or with longer delays

Physician Insight & Safety Protocols

Dr. Ajay Singh (General Practitioner | DHA Registration ID: 36234132) notes: “The FTA-ABS test is an exceptionally accurate confirmatory tool, yet it must be interpreted alongside clinical history and non-treponemal serological markers. A single reactive result does not automatically indicate active disease; correlation with patient presentation is essential for appropriate management.”

Important Clinical Advisory

Do not discontinue any prescribed antibiotic or antimicrobial therapy without consulting your treating physician, even if serological markers appear normal or declining. Patients with a history of syphilis should complete the full treatment course as directed. If new neurological symptoms, skin rashes, or visual disturbances develop, seek immediate medical evaluation.

Safety Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags

Exclusion: Patients with active severe systemic infection requiring urgent antimicrobial therapy should be stabilised before elective serological testing. This test is not suitable for self-testing; professional phlebotomy by a DHA-licensed practitioner is mandatory.
ER Red Flags (possible neurosyphilis): Sudden vision loss, hearing loss, severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, or a widespread non-itchy rash accompanied by fever. If any of these occur, proceed to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance

1. What does a positive FTA-ABS test result indicate?

A positive FTA-ABS result signals a current or past syphilis infection. Because the test detects lifelong treponemal antibodies, it cannot independently distinguish between treated and untreated past infections. Your physician will correlate the result with non-treponemal test titers, clinical symptoms, and treatment history to determine whether active disease is present and whether therapy is indicated.

2. How should I prepare for the FTA-ABS blood draw?

No fasting or special preparation is required. Inform the phlebotomist of any medications or antibiotics taken recently. We recommend wearing loose-sleeved clothing for optimal venous access. If you are receiving long-term antibiotic therapy, your doctor may advise an appropriate timing for the blood draw to avoid confounding serological interpretation.

3. Is the home collection service safe and accredited?

Our home collection follows ISO-certified cold-chain protocols that ensure sample integrity and patient safety at all times. The mobile phlebotomy team is licensed by the Dubai Health Authority and uses hospital-grade disinfection and single-use safety devices. Samples are transported in temperature-monitored coolers directly to our ISO 9001:2015 accredited laboratory.

UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence

Regulatory Compliance & Data Protection Framework

All clinical testing and patient data handling at DNA Labs UAE are conducted in full compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. Patient consent, sample handling, and clinical safety protocols adhere to Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability. Your personal health information is encrypted, access-controlled, and never shared without your explicit authorisation. The laboratory holds ISO 9001:2015 certification (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139) and operates under DHA Facility License No. 1143.

Clinical & Logistical Metadata

Test Name	Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test
Price (AED)	550 AED
Turnaround Time	Next-day reporting (samples accepted Tuesday and Friday by 6 pm)
Sample Type / Matrix	Serum – 2 mL (minimum 1 mL) collected in a serum separator tube (SST)
Methodology Used	Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) – gold-standard confirmatory treponemal test
ICD-10-CM Code	A53.9
LOINC Code	24113-7
DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address	Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE \| DHA License: 1143 \| Corporate Lab: DNA Labs UAE