| fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test | <investigation> A sensitive and specific serologic test for syphilis. It is more specific than the VDRL assay. The patient's serum is diluted to remove non-specific antibodies and then mixed on a glass slide with Nichol's strain of Treponema pallidum. If antibodies are present in the patient's serum they bind to the antigen and the bound antibodies are detected with fluoresceinated antihuman gamma-globulin antibody. Synonym: FTA-ABS test. (12 Sep2002) |
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| Forssman antibody | A heterogenetic antibody specific for the Forssman group of heterogenetic antigens. Synonym: heterophil antibody, heterophile antibody. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Forssman antigen-antibody reaction | The combination of Forssman antibody with heterogenetic antigen of the Forssman type, as in the agglutination of sheep erythrocytes (which contain Forssman antigen) by serum from a person with infectious mononucleosis which contains Forssman antibody. Synonym: Forssman reaction. (05 Mar 2000) |
| lyme disease antibody | A blood test which measures for the presence of Lyme disease antibodies. A nonreactive or serum titre of less than 1:256 is normal. A rising titre over time is more diagnostic. False positives due occur in those with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. (27 Sep 1997) |