Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

False positive tests for HTLV (human T lymphtrophic virus) 1 and 2 are not uncommon and the blood tests done for this can give false positive tests also.

If a person has suffered from any viral infection even Infectious mononucleosis before giving the blood sample for HTLV can give false positive results. Even the test can be falsely positive in a variety of medical conditions including common viral infections, taking the influenza shots or other vaccines before the test and the presence of certain abnormal serum immune globulins.

HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infections are usually detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which then must be confirmed with Western blot, immunofluorescence assay (IFA), or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). You should get these tests done.


Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

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Hello,

Thanks for writing back.

Chemiluminescent immunoassay is quite a specific test for HTLV and chances of false positive are less until and unless the test was done before the body had time to make antibodies against the infection.

If a recent HTLV infection is suspected / a confirmation of a false positive report needs to be done, the blood test should be repeated after three months.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wish you good health.

Regards

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