What is the sensitivity percentage of FTA-ABS in diagnosing tertiary syphilis?

The FTA-ABS (Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption) test is highly regarded for its sensitivity in diagnosing syphilis, particularly in its tertiary stage. Current literature and clinical studies indicate that the sensitivity of the FTA-ABS test typically ranges around 95% in cases of tertiary syphilis. This high sensitivity is attributed to the test's ability to detect treponemal antibodies, which persist long after infection and are especially helpful in confirming a diagnosis during later stages of the disease.

In the context of tertiary syphilis, accurate diagnosis is crucial because the disease can lead to severe complications if left untreated. The FTA-ABS test's high sensitivity ensures that the majority of true cases of tertiary syphilis are identified, thereby facilitating timely treatment and management of the disease.

The other percentage options—80%, 90%, and 100%—do not reflect the typical findings in the medical literature regarding the sensitivity of the FTA-ABS test for tertiary syphilis. Although 100% sensitivity would mean that every single case is diagnosed correctly, in practice, no test achieves perfect sensitivity, particularly in a complex disease such as syphilis. The 95% figure strikes a realistic