HTLV can be diagnosed with the following tests:

• HTLV 1&2 antibodies: a blood sample is taken to test for the presence of HTLV antibodies.
• HTLV-1 proviral DNA and RNA PCR: a blood sample is taken in order to test for the genetic material of the virus.

HTLV is a lifelong infection, therefore, the detection of antibodies is useful as they signify if you have been exposed to the virus in the past. If you test positive for HTLV antibodies, a PCR test will be done to determine if the virus is currently detectable or not.

HTLV testing is not a part of routine GP blood tests, standard health checks, sexual health or antenatal screens.

• When you are donating blood, the NHS blood donation service screens your blood for HTLV before your blood is transfused to a recipient.
• As part of medical investigations for symptoms and signs suggestive of symptomatic HTLV disease.
• When you have had unprotected sex and you think there is a high risk of exposure (for example, having sex with someone from a country with a high prevalence of HTLV).
• If you have been diagnosed with another viral infection (such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C).
• If you have had a needlestick injury, and the source patient is at higher risk of having HTLV.

HTLV 1&2 antibody screening test is very accurate, reaching a sensitivity of 99%. They are reliably used for screening of blood and blood products before transfusion.

Recent viral infections or immunisation can rarely produce a false positive HTLV antibody test result.

Antenatal screening for HTLV is not recommended due to its low prevalence in the UK and the absence of any serious effects on pregnancy or the health of the newborn. If you have HTLV and wish to breastfeed, it is recommended that you do not breastfeed for more than 6 months as the risk of infection until this point is low.

Specialist advice is given to women who are already known to be HTLV positive on how to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.

Yes.

All information shared with us at Clarewell Clinics, including test results, is strictly confidential and will not be shared to the NHS or anyone else, unless you request otherwise. However, in the unlikely event that HTLV results are positive, your clinician will liaise with the NHS with your permission to ensure that you get the right care.

You may want to wear a loose fitting or short sleeved shirt so that we can easily access your veins for your blood sample, however, no other preparation is needed for your appointment.

You can receive your HTLV results by either text or a secure email.

Although the risk of HTLV test results coming back positive is very low, we recommend that you avoid having unprotected sex with any partners you may have, especially if circumstances suggest risk of HTLV exposure. You should also avoid donating blood whilst you wait for your test results.

If you have a negative HTLV test, this means that the HTLV virus may not be present in your body. However, it is always recommended that you retest a few months later to ensure that your test result is conclusively negative. If you have tested too early, you may receive a false negative result as your infection is fairly new and you have not produced enough antibodies to be detected.

If you receive a positive result, you have the HTLV virus. It is important to remember that you will always test positive (once infected) for HTLV, even if the virus becomes inactive.

In the unlikely event that your HTLV results are positive, your clinician will liaise with the NHS with your permission to ensure that you receive the correct care. Most people with HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 do not become seriously ill, and are able to live a normal life.

Yes, it is recommended that you inform your sexual partners that you have tested positive for HTLV.

Yes. Along with a text or email of your HTLV test results, we can email a certificate for official purposes.

If you require a certificate for your results please bring a form of ID with you to your appointment.