| external absorption | The absorption of substances through skin, mucocutaneous surfaces, or mucous membranes. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| linear absorption coefficient | That fraction of ionizing radiation absorbed in a unit thickness of a substance or tissue. See: absorption coefficient. (05 Mar 2000) |