HTLV (policy currently under review)
The UK NSC policy on HTLV (human t-cell leukaemia virus) screening in pregnancy
More Information
HTLV1 is a retrovirus (like HIV) affecting the immune system. It is associated with a particular leukemia/lymphoma but most people have no symptoms.
» Read more about lymphoma and HTLV1 on NHS Choices
Policy Position
Screening for HTLV-1 should not be offered.
When replying to the current consultation, please use the comments form that you can download at the bottom of this page.
This policy is currently being reviewed as part of the UK NSC's regular review cycle of all policies.
The review process began in Apr 2011 and is estimated to be completed by Mar 2012.
The consultation on the expert review has now finished but you can still download the document here:
» Download the expert review for HTLV (PDF document, 55KB)
The UK NSC will consider the review and any submissions made during the consultation period to reach a final policy decision. The decision will be available on this website when it is available.
Evidence Supporting the Policy
The evidence on screening has been reviewed by the Antenatal Subgroup, and the UK NSC meeting in March 2003 endorsed the decision that antenatal screening for HTLV1 should not be offered routinely.
Stakeholders
British Infection Association
British Society for Immunology
Health Protection Agency
National Centre for Human Retrovirology
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
The stakeholder groups will be involved when the policy is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.
Related documents
Appendix to the knowldege update on screening for HTLV-I and HTLV-II (April 2011) (PDF document, 93KB, 24/08/11)Consultation submission comments form (Word document, 48KB, 20/01/12)
Knowledge update on screening for HTLV-I and HTLV-II (April 2011) (PDF document, 130KB, 24/08/11)
