HTLV-I/II Antibody, with Reflex to Confirmatory Assay

Test Code

HTLVP

Alias/See Also

LAB8528

CPT Codes
<p>86790</p>

Includes

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

Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection Container/Type

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Specimen Type: Plasma

Collection Container/Type: Lavender top (EDTA)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in: EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Instructions

Label the tubes according to your standard operating procedure, making sure that each tube has at least two unique patient identifiers.

If transport temperature will be frozen, centrifuge the red/lavender-top and transfer the serum/plasma into a plastic, screw-cap vial. The plastic, screw-cap vial (aliquot tube) containing serum or plasma must be labeled with the specimen type (serum or plasma) and at least two unique identifiers. Aliquot tubes must be processed and labeled at the original collection site. If aliquot tubes are submitted, do not send the original red/lavender-top.

Room temperature transport is acceptable. Do not store at room temperature.

Transport Container

Transport tube

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: Unacceptable

Refrigerated: 14 days

Frozen: 30 days

Methodology

Screen: Immunoassay (IA)

Confirmation: Immunoblot (IB)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 36 hours (reflex: 2-7 days)

Report Available

1-4 days

Reference Range

Non-Reactive

Clinical Significance

This test is intended to aid in the clinical diagnosis of Human T-lymphotropic Virus Type I (HTLV-1) 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 sero-converters 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 resulting using LIA, further investigation should be considered, including repeat testing in 3 months by serology or NAAT.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute 14225 Newbrook Drive Chantilly, VA 20153

Last Updated: February 23, 2012

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.