fluorescent antibody test (FA test) /flo͝ores″ənt/ , a test in which a fluorescent dye is used to stain an antibody for identification of clinical specimens. Fluorescent dyes conjugate with immunoglobulins without altering the antibody-antigen reaction, making the dyed organisms glow visibly when examined under a fluorescent microscope. The fluorescent antibody technique can be used in identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and in the most common serological screening test for syphilis. Also called immunofluorescence test. Kinds include fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test.
