HTLV-I/II Antibody with reflex to Confirmatory Assay : 36175

HTLVQ or 36175

If HTLV-I/II Antibody is positive, HTLV-I/II Antibody, Confirmatory Assay will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code: 86689)

Serum separator tube, plain red tube, or lavender (EDTA) tube.

Centrifuge serum separator tube and transport. If plain red or lavender top, centrifuge and aliquot 2 mL serum or plasma (Min: 1 mL) into a standard transport tube.

Refrigerated.

Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 14 days; Frozen: 30 days

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat

1-3 days (From receipt at performing laboratory); if Reflex additional 2-7 days

Nonreactive

This test is intended to aid in the clinical diagnosis of Human T-lymphotropic Virus Type I (HTLV-I) or Type II (HTLV-II) infection. An ELISA is used for the initial detection of antibodies to HTLV-I/II. Specimens with reactive ELISA results reflex to supplemental testing using a line immunoassay (LIA) for confirmation and differentiation of HTLV type. While the ELISA assay is highly sensitive, specimens containing low titers of antibodies from certain areas of endemicity, or specimens from early seroconverters may be missed. Repeat testing should be considered where there is clinical suspicion of HTLV-I or HTLV-II infection. Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) can be used to detect infected individuals either with low antibody titers or within the window period prior to the development of an antibody response. For samples with reactive ELISA and indeterminate results using LIA, further investigation should be considered, including repeat testing in 3 months by serology or NAAT.