Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus Test

Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus Test-Why am I having this test?

Human T cell lymphotropic virus test is used to check for human T-cell lymphotropic viruses (HTLVs), which can cause cancer. It is possible to be infected with HTLV and not develop any cancer or other diseases.

What is being tested?

This test checks for different forms of human T-cell viruses. Some of these viruses are linked to certain blood cancers. HTLV-I can be associated with T-cell leukemia or lymphoma in adults. HTLV-II is associated with adult hairy cell leukemia and some conditions of the nervous system (neurologic diseases).

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative for human T-cell viruses. For this test, a normal result is:

  • Negative.
    • A false-positive result can occur. A false positive is incorrect because it indicates that a condition is present when it is not.
    • A false-negative result can occur. A false negative is incorrect because it indicates that a condition is not present when it is.

Your health care provider will talk to you about doing more tests to confirm your results.

What do the results mean?

A negative test result means that no infection was detected.

A positive test result may indicate:

  • A human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection. You will need to have another test to confirm the results of the initial test.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

  • When will my results be ready?
  • How will I get my results?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What other tests do I need?
  • What are my next steps?

Summary

  • The human T-cell lymphotropic virus test is performed to check for human T-cell lymphotropic viruses (HTLVs), which can cause cancer.
  • This test checks for different forms of human T-cell viruses. Some of these viruses have been linked to certain types of leukemia and lymphoma.
  • Your results will be reported as either negative or positive. A negative result means that no infection was detected. A positive result means that you may have a human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection.
  • Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
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