Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation required
- Turnaround: 5-6 business days (may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays)
What This Test Measures
This test looks for HTLV-I/II antibodies, the antibodies your body develops in response to infection with the Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV). HTLV infects white blood cells, which are important to your immune system. This test detects and differentiates both type 1 and type 2 HTLV infections.
The result is qualitative, meaning it indicates whether these antibodies are detected in your blood sample. It does not measure any other biomarkers, and it is a single test rather than a panel.
Benefits
- Screens for antibodies linked to HTLV infection.
- Detects and differentiates HTLV type 1 and type 2 antibodies.
- Requires only a blood sample.
- Needs no special preparation.
- Gives you results to review with your healthcare provider.
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults who have had multiple sexual partners.
- People with a history of intravenous drug use.
- Individuals with a history of blood transfusions.
- People living in regions where HTLV is prevalent, such as Southwestern Japan, parts of Africa, the Caribbean, or the Southeastern U.S.
- People with a sexual partner from a region where HTLV is prevalent.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does the HTLV-1/HTLV-2 antibodies test measure?
This test screens for HTLV-I/II antibodies, which your body develops in response to infection with the Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV). HTLV infects white blood cells, which are important to your immune system. The test detects and differentiates antibodies to HTLV type 1 and type 2, and it may help your healthcare provider evaluate whether you have been infected with either type. It is a single test rather than a panel, and it does not diagnose a condition or provide a complete evaluation on its own.
2. Who would benefit from this test, and when should I order it?
This test may be helpful for adults with risk factors for HTLV infection, including multiple sexual partners, a history of intravenous drug use, or a history of blood transfusions. It may also be useful if you live in, or have a sexual partner from, a region where HTLV is prevalent, such as Southwestern Japan, parts of Africa, the Caribbean, or the Southeastern U.S. If any of these apply and you want to screen for HTLV infection, you may consider ordering it. Not everyone with a related concern needs this test, and it does not replace a medical evaluation.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare before this test?
No special preparation is required. The test uses a blood sample.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 5-6 business days, though this may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
5. How do I interpret the results?
The result is qualitative, meaning it indicates whether HTLV-I/II antibodies are detected in your blood sample. What it means for you depends on the specific antibodies tested and your clinical context, including symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory results. A positive result does not automatically confirm a condition, and a negative result does not automatically rule one out. A single result should not be treated as a diagnosis.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review your results with a qualified healthcare provider, who can explain what they mean for you and determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate. Avoid drawing conclusions on your own from a single result.
7. How often should I get tested?
How often you get tested should be directed by your healthcare provider, who can consider the purpose of the test and your individual circumstances when deciding whether testing again is appropriate.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation required.
