Antistreptolysin O Titre (ASO) Test
Dr. Abhishtita MudunuriLast Updated on 19th January 2022Table of contents
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What is an ASO test used for?
Usually, when you have an infection like strep throat your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. But strep infection may go unnoticed many times as not everyone will have symptoms. When this happens it might result in post-streptococcal complications in the future. Some of these post-streptococcal complications could be:
- Bacterial endocarditis
- Glomerulonephritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Your doctor would then suggest an ASO titre test to determine if these conditions could be a post-streptococcal complication.
What is included in the ASO test?
The ASO antibodies begin to rise after a week of getting infected and continue to rise. Levels can remain high for several months. Even if a few symptoms go unnoticed, your doctor will be able to detect the problems you are facing and recommend you to get this test done so as to diagnose a post-streptococcal complication. The ASO test includes a blood test wherein blood is drawn from the veins of your arm and sent for labworks to determine the level of antibodies produced in your body.
Upon receipt of the report, the doctor has an idea of how much the infection has spread and what kind of treatment needs to be administered to get the best results.
Procedure for ASO test
The procedure includes undertaking a blood test where the blood is drawn from the veins of your inner arm and sent for lab work. The test helps in detecting the level of antibodies in your blood serum to determine the extent of strep infection you are suffering from.
How to prepare for the ASO test?
Before undergoing the ASO test, you will be advised to not eat for a couple of hours. Your doctor may recommend you stop certain medications like corticosteroids and antibiotics before undergoing the test as these may reduce ASO levels. Your doctor will also ask for a detailed list of medication you are presently taking before you go for this test. It is of utmost importance that you pay heed to every information your doctor provides and follow his advice before you opt for the test to get the most accurate results.
Things to consider after the ASO test is completed
The ASO test is a simple blood test. You will hardly encounter any problems thereafter. Hence, no extra care needs to be taken after the completion of the test. This test is safe and effective to understand the level of antibodies in your blood serum against the strep infection. If your doctor notices any problems after undertaking the test, he will advise you to follow a few guidelines. Although there are no complications that may arise in this test, a few of them may include excessive bleeding, pain in the puncture site, infection due to the blood drawn, etc. Talk to your doctor immediately if you face any abnormality and wish to get a consultation done.
How much does the ASO test cost?
This test is cost-effective and you can get it done for INR 500 at any lab or clinic recommended by your doctor. You can also avail the ASO test through MFine’s top NABL lab partners.
*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the results for the ASO test?
You can expect to get the results for the ASO test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.
What do abnormal ASO test results indicate?
Abnormal test results may indicate a post-streptococcal complication.
• The doctor in such a condition may suggest you undergo the test again depending upon the level of severity that he is anticipating.
• The ASO test is followed up within a period of 10 to 14 days to ascertain the level of antibodies that your blood serum contains.
Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.
Is the ASO test a definite test?
The ASO test is a very important test in diagnosing complications secondary to strep throat infection. Strep infection sometimes can be an asymptomatic post which you may develop complications secondary to the infection. ASO test will help diagnose this. The streptococcal infection develops no antibodies in the initial stages; thus, the ASO test is a definite test if it is conducted a few days to weeks after your body has been exposed to the bacteria. Your doctor will be able to recommend to you the exact timing of the test so that the results come out to be accurate, and a proper treatment plan can be designed for you.
How to read the ASO test Report?
Test results below 200 are considered to be normal when we talk of adults. For children under the age of five years, the results have to be at a level of less than 100. In case your results come out to be negative your doctor will ask you to undergo a follow-up test if he is sure that you may be exposed to streptococcal infection. Also, the ASO test when positive is again conducted after a period of around 14 days to confirm the results. If the tests show the ASO levels increasing it indicates your infection is recent.
Why to book an ASO test?
We may be exposed to streptococcal infection and have no symptoms at all. But in the weeks or months to come, you may develop bacterial endocarditis, glomerulonephritis or rheumatoid arthritis. If you have any of these conditions your doctor will ask for an ASO test. This will help determine the cause of these conditions and treatment will be given as per the test results.
ASO test at home – how does it work?
The ASO test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.
Are there any risks involved with the ASO test?
The ASO test is both a potent as well as a safe test since it is a blood test where blood is drawn out from the veins of your inner arm and sent for lab work. There hardly constitute risks that you may be exposed to. However, in very rare circumstances will there be any side effects. The risks may include fainting due to excessive bleeding, infection at the puncture site, accumulation of blood under the skin, inability to obtain the lab sample, etc. It is to be understood that such kinds of tests are to be only handled by expert healthcare professionals.
What can affect the results of an ASO test?
The test results may be affected only when the test is not conducted properly or there is some kind of minor error in the lab reports. Also, certain medications like corticosteroids or antibiotics can affect the test results. Your doctor will be able to instantly understand if there is any problem regarding the same and will ask you to repeat the test so that a proper diagnosis can be made and a treatment plan can be devised. If you anticipate any problem regarding your test results or when you were undergoing the test, it is necessary that you talk to your doctor and tell him about the problems.
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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
Is the lab technician coming for an ASO Test sample collection vaccinated?
Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask, gloves, and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.
Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?
Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail of a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.
How can I download my ASO test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click on Attachment and Reports
- Click on Lab Report
- Download the report
Are there any discount offers running on the ASO test?
Usually, you can avail of up to a 50% discount on ASO through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.
Why is the ASO test done?
The ASO test is done to detect any complication that is caused by streptococcus bacteria by measuring the levels of antistreptolysin antibodies in the blood. This test measures the levels of antistreptolysin O antibody in the blood. Increasing ASO levels may indicate a recent infection.
What do the different levels of ASO test results indicate?
- Increasing levels of ASO antibodies may indicate- recent infection and also diagnose the cause for your condition like bacterial endocarditis, glomerulonephritis, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Decreasing levels of ASO antibody may indicate that your infection is declining.
- It is advised to always consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.
What happens if an ASO test is high?
High levels of ASO in the blood indicates that you have had a strep infection. Your doctor will help interpret the results. If you have high levels of ASO in blood, talk to your doctor to know what it means.
What are the precautionary requisites in the test?
There are no special precautions needed for this test. Just inform the doctor about your medications.
What does the ASO test measure?
This test measures the levels of antistreptolysin O antibody in the blood. Thereby, helps to detect an infection that has been caused by streptococcus bacteria.
What types of infections are caused by streptococcus bacteria?
This bacteria may cause throat or skin infections.