Antistreptolysin O (ASO) Test

ASO titre test is done specifically to determine a Streptococcus infection by assessing the levels of antibodies produced in response to streptolysin O.

Although streptococcal infections can be easily controlled by antibiotics that kill the infection-causing bacteria, there can be cases where the treatment may get delayed due to an absence of apparent symptoms, leading to post-streptococcal complications.

An ASO titre test is recommended when the individual shows symptoms of post-streptococcal complications, such as bacterial endocarditis, glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever.

Antibodies tend to peak in the body for 3-8 weeks following a Streptococcus infection and would remain so for several months.

Your doctor will provide instructions related to any preparations before the test. You will likely be asked to fast for 6 hours before the test.

Intake of certain medications such as antibiotics may also be restricted a few hours before the test. However, one must not stop taking any routine medication unless asked by a physician. 

• A lab technician will place an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood, which enables easy identification of a vein for withdrawal of blood sample
• The needle injection site is cleaned using alcohol for sanitisation
• A needle is then inserted into the vein. One or more needle sticks may be required occasionally
• A tube is attached to the needle to collect the blood sample, and once enough blood is collected, the band is removed from the arm.
• Cotton is placed over the site as the needle is removed and some pressure is applied to stop bleeding
• A bandage is placed on the site thereafter

You may experience some tightness when the band is wrapped around the upper arm. Few individuals report no pain from the needle, and some may feel a quick sting or pinch.

Besides the fact that the individual may experience some pain while blood is drawn, some other risks associated with a blood test are:

• Difficulty in obtaining the sample
• Excessive bleeding at the site from where the blood is drawn
• Fainting
• Haematoma (accumulation of blood under the skin)
• Infection at the site where the needle is inserted

However, these risks can easily be reduced when proper precautionary measures are taken.

Normal results: A negative test result indicates the absence of a Streptococcus infection. However, the test may be performed again after two weeks. Normal values may vary slightly among laboratories. The results must be discussed with a doctor to get a clear diagnosis.

Abnormal results: An elevated antibody titer indicates a recent Streptococcus infection even though you may not have experienced any symptoms.

This test does not predict the complications that may occur due to the infection, and it does not assess the severity of the infection. However, it may help in confirming the diagnosis of a Streptococcus infection complication.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational perspective and is in no way a substitute for medical advice from a qualified doctor.