The TEST-HTLV-1 Study. Version 1.0.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Targeted Evaluation of Sexual Health Testing for Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type-1. The TEST-HTLV-1 Study.
IRAS ID
367240
Contact name
Alexander Flint
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UK Health Security Agency
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is a cancer-causing virus that establishes life-long infection. Around 80% of transmission is through sex, yet HTLV-1 is rarely tested for within sexual health services (SHS) or HIV clinics in the UK. UKHSA in partnership with five NHS Trusts is piloting an HTLV service delivery programme. There is currently no information on the views of healthcare professionals (HCP) and patients attending SHS and HIV clinics on HTLV-1 testing. We therefore plan to assess their attitudes towards HTLV-1, including acceptability of testing, through a questionnaire-based research study before and after the aforementioned service delivery pilot.
HTLV-1 testing will be offered by HCP to patients attending SHS and HIV clinics in five NHS trusts in line with clinical guidelines. HCPs will receive training on HTLV testing at the start of the pilot. This study is focussed on research into attitudes and does not include any evaluation of the service delivery pilot project.
HCP will be invited by the researchers to complete a 5 minute questionnaire on their attitudes to HTLV testing, before and after the pilot which includes HTLV-1 training session. Patients offered an HTLV test will be invited by HCP to complete a 5 minute questionnaire. All participants will provide informed consent prior to completing the questionnaire. All responses will be fully anonymised at source. Questionnaires will be made available online and in paper form.
We will analyse views on acceptability of HTLV-1 testing amongst HCP and patients in SHS and HIV clinics. We will assess any changes in these views from baseline to the end of the pilot project, to determine the impact of education and practice on attitudes.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0244
Date of REC Opinion
1 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion