HTLV I and II – Serology

Limitations

Haemolysed, icteric, lipemic or microbially contaminated sera are not recommended for testing.

Storage and Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Special Instructions

Centrifuge if using SST. Place specimen in biohazard bag and seal. Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHO Laboratory on ice packs ASAP.

Specimens may be stored on or off the clot or red blood cells for up to 3 days at 15-30°C or 7 days if refrigerated at 2-8°C. If testing will be delayed more than the recommended storage time, remove serum from the clot and store frozen at -20°C or colder.

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

HTLV l and ll screening is performed daily Monday to Friday.

HTLV I and II confirmatory testing is performed every two weeks.
Turnaround time is up to 5 days for negative results, and up to 14 days from receipt by PHO Laboratory for positive results.

Specimens for HTLV l/ll are screened using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) for the qualitative detection of HTLV l and HTLV ll antibodies in human serum. Reactive results are confirmed using a Line Immunoassay (LIA).

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

References

LAB-SD-008, Blood Collection Using Serum Separator Tubes

LAB-SD-120, New Requisition for HIV Serology and HIV PCR