What it measures
Antibodies to human T-lymphotropic virus types I and II (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2). These viruses pass through blood, sex and from mother to baby, mainly through breastfeeding. A positive result shows an infection, which lasts for life; most people with HTLV have no symptoms.
Why people test it
- Checked by people whose partner or mother has HTLV, or who have lived where it is more common.
- Checked before or during pregnancy by people at risk of HTLV, as it can pass to a baby.
- Measured when a doctor is looking into certain nerve or blood conditions linked with HTLV-1.
Typical range
Reported as positive or negative, and a reactive screening result is usually checked with a second, confirmatory test. Methods and cut-offs vary between labs, and your report shows how the lab reads the result.
Finger-prick or vein?
Offered as a vein draw only. HTLV antibodies are measured in blood.