HTLV- I/II, human T-cell lymphotropic virus - serology

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Serologic detection of antibodies to HTLV I/HTLV-II
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Serology
Specimen Type	○ Whole blood ○ Serum ○ Plasma

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Whole blood/serum: Serum separator tubes (clotted blood) (min volume 5 mL)
○ Plasma: EDTA tube (lavender top) (min volume 5 mL)

Collection Requirements

○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

In-house

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Up to 3 days for negative results; up to 14 days for positive results

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4533

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be stored at room temperature (25-30˚C) after collection for up to 3 days and transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP after collection

○ UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory will refer positive specimen to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing. Donor testing will be performed in-house