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Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) tests using blood samples collected on filter paper
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|January 1, 1977
Summary
Filter paper blood tests show promise for syphilis diagnosis in remote areas. This method, using finger-prick samples, could aid in diagnosing treponemal infections where traditional venipuncture is challenging.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Syphilis diagnosis traditionally relies on venipuncture blood collection.
- Access to venipuncture may be limited in remote or endemic populations.
- Alternative, less invasive methods are needed for widespread screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of filter paper blood samples for fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) testing.
- To compare FTA-ABS results from filter paper samples with those from venipuncture sera.
- To assess the feasibility of using filter paper blood for syphilis testing in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- Collected paired blood specimens (venipuncture serum and filter paper) from 111 patients with suspected syphilis.
- Tested all samples using the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) assay.
- Analyzed agreement between FTA-ABS results from both sample types.
Main Results:
- Of 62 FTA-ABS positive venipuncture sera, 56 (90%) filter paper samples were also positive.
- Complete agreement was observed in 49 FTA-ABS negative paired specimens.
- Six (10%) filter paper samples from positive sera yielded false-negative results.
Conclusions:
- Filter paper blood samples demonstrate high concordance with venipuncture sera for FTA-ABS testing.
- Finger-prick blood collected on filter paper is a viable alternative for syphilis screening in remote populations.
- This method could significantly improve syphilis detection in areas endemic for yaws and other treponemal diseases.