HTLV I and II – Serology

*Uncontrolled print copy. Valid only on day of print: 01 March 2021.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimen Requirements

Test Requested	Required Requisition(s)	Specimen Type	Minimum Volume	Collection Kit
HTLV l/ll	HIV and HTLV-I/HTLV-II & HIV PCR Test Requisition	Serum	1.0 ml	Blood, clotted - vacutainer tubes (SST)^1,2
HTLV l/ll	HIV and HTLV-I/HTLV-II & HIV PCR Test Requisition	Plasma	1.0 ml	Blood, clotted - vacutainer tubes (SST)^1,2
HTLV l/ll	HIV and HTLV-I/HTLV-II & HIV PCR Test Requisition	Blood	5.0 ml	Blood, clotted - vacutainer tubes (SST)^1,2

Submission and Collection Notes

For testing all Hepatitis markers, HIV, HTLV, Syphilis and Rubella, you only are required to submit two FULL red top or serum separator tubes (SST).

Do NOT submit glass tubes.

Limitations

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

Preparation Prior to 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 PHOL 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 or plasma from the clot and store frozen at -20°C or colder.

Requisitions and Kit Ordering

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

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

Turnaround time is up to 5 days for negative results, and up to 14 days for positive results from receipt by laboratory.

Reporting

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

Test Methods

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 or plasma. Positive results are confirmed using a Line Immunoassay (LIA).