HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Is The Window Period For HTLV 1/2 Antibodies Test?

default
Posted on Sun, 18 Aug 2019
Question: What is the window period for HTLV 1/2 antibodies test? And what is the window period for HTLV 1/2 PCR test?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Regarding HTLV infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have read your query and noted your concern.

The window period of an antibody based tret for HTLV is about 2 months whereas that for a PCR is shorter i.e aboit 2 weeks.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (17 minutes later)
Thank you doctor, you're the best!

Last question before I can put my mind at rest. On tuesday, I went to a blood test. The needle is new, so as the vacutainer tube. However, the nurse pick up the tube from the holding container and put it on the table before pick it up and drawing my blood. I did saw a strain of dried blood, though not big just a tiny spot on the table. I'm not sure if the tube touches/contacts it or not. If for worst case the tube did touch the dried blood, would I be at risk for HIV, HTLV or other Std? The needle, vacutainer tube and tube holder are indeed new. From what I observed the tiny spot of dried blood was untouched by the tube before the nurse picked it up and drawed my blood. But I am not sure if that is 100% accurate. So this is my last question and thank you so much for your answer. I have anxiety problem and sorry if I asked too much.
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 minutes later)
To clarify more, I am the first queue of patient on Tuesday so at least the blood should be dried for at least 8 hours and the dried blood is small, relatively the size of ink spot when you pointed the pen.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Regarding STDs

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Firsty. dried blood would not have contained any live virus. Moreover, it doesn't matter even if it had live virus even if the stain touched the outside of tube. No way it could have posed a risk to you because the virus cannot pass through intact skin where the tube would have come in contact with you.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)
But the nurse connected the tube with the needle to draw my blood. So i don't think it's intact skin. I'm afraid that the dried blood somehow got into my blood stream after punctured, doctor.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No risk

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I don't think the tube would have touched the puncture site. Anyways as I said, dried blood does not contain live virus. So, don't worry. Take care.
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9611 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Is The Window Period For HTLV 1/2 Antibodies Test?

Brief Answer: Regarding HTLV infection Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have read your query and noted your concern. The window period of an antibody based tret for HTLV is about 2 months whereas that for a PCR is shorter i.e aboit 2 weeks. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.