The normal values for HTLV-I/II antibodies are detected in positive, and this range is unisex for all age groups.
HTLV testing is usually done in a stepwise fashion and usually includes an initial test followed by confirmatory testing, depending on the results.
If initial HTLV testing is negative, then it is unlikely that the individual has an HTLV infection and the person’s symptoms are likely due to another cause. Typically, no further testing is necessary.
Those who have a positive initial HTLV-I/II test and a negative confirmatory test likely have a false positive and not an HTLV infection. Those with an indeterminate confirmatory test result should be retested in several weeks to determine if they have developed antibodies. If the confirmatory testing is negative or still indeterminate, then it is unlikely that the person has an HTLV infection.
