Type of test
Blood
Normal findings
Negative
Test explanation and related physiology
Several forms of HTLV, a human retrovirus, affect humans. HTLV-I is associated with adult T-cell leukemia or lymphoma. HTLV-II is associated with adult hairy-cell leukemia and neuro logic disorders (e.g., tropical spastic paraparesis).
HTLV transmission is similar to HIV transmission (e.g., body fluid contamination, intravenous drug use, sexual contact, breastfeeding).
Blood and organ donors are routinely tested for the presence of anti-HTLV-I/II antibodies. For accurate diagnosis of HTLV-I/II infection, all initially enzyme immunoassay (EIA)-positive results should be verified by a confirmatory test, such as Western blot or line immunoassay. HTLV-I/II can also be directly detected by real-time amplification of the specific HTLV genomic DNA sequences from the blood of infected patients.
Procedure and patient care
• See inside front cover for Routine Blood Testing.
• Fasting: no
• Blood tube commonly used: red
Abnormal findings
- Acute HTLV infection
- Adult T-cell leukemia
- Hairy-cell leukemia
- Tropical spastic paraparesis
