ASO Test - Price, Range, Preparation Required, Procedure 2024

Table of Content

Introduction to ASO Test

ASO test, full form, stands for "Antistreptolysin O." It is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies called antistreptolysin O antibodies. The immune system produces these antibodies in response to a streptococcal infection, particularly caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. 

ASO test is used to diagnose a current or recent streptococcal infection, such as strep throat. When a person is infected with group A Streptococcus bacteria, their immune system produces antistreptolysin O antibodies to help fight the infection. The level of these antibodies in the blood tends to rise a few weeks after the infection and then slowly decline. It may cause symptoms like strep throat, scarlet fever, skin infections like impetigo, cellulitis, and necrotizing fasciitis, as well as more severe conditions like toxic shock syndrome, rheumatic fever, and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Your doctor might recommend the Antistreptolysin test to diagnose these symptoms. You can take the ASO blood test from Redcliffe Labs, which provides the best diagnostic services at reasonable prices. We offer doorstep home collection services. You need to book your ASO test, and our professional phlebotomist will come to your place to collect the sample.

Test details in brief

Purpose of the ASO test

The purpose of the ASO (Antistreptolysin O) test is to:

• Diagnosing Strep Infections: It helps confirm the presence of a recent or ongoing group A Streptococcus infection, particularly in cases of strep throat.
• Monitoring Treatment: Doctors use the Antistreptolysin test to check if antibiotics effectively treat streptococcal infections.
• Identifying Complications: Elevated ASO antibody levels can indicate complications like rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis, allowing for early detection and intervention.
• Ruling Out Other Conditions: The antistreptolysin test can help rule out other causes of symptoms similar to streptococcal infections.
• Clinical Assessment: In conjunction with symptoms and other tests, it aids in diagnosing and managing streptococcal-related health issues.
• Identify complications: High levels of ASO antibodies can sometimes be associated with complications of streptococcal infections, such as rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. 

Symptoms Caused by Streptococcus Bacteria

The Streptococcus bacteria may cause symptoms like:

• Strep Throat: This is a common infection that causes sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and often swollen tonsils with white patches.
• Scarlet Fever: This causes red rash, high fever, sore throat, and a "strawberry" tongue.
• Impetigo: This causes contagious skin infection that results in red sores or blisters, which can burst and develop a yellowish crust.
• Necrotizing Fasciitis: This is a severe and rare condition often referred to as the "flesh-eating bacteria" infection. It involves bacteria's rapid and destructive spread through the deep layers of skin and soft tissue.
• Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS): This is a rare but serious condition where the bacteria release toxins into the blood, leading to symptoms such as fever, shock, and organ failure.
• Rheumatic Fever: This autoimmune inflammatory disease can follow a streptococcal throat infection. It can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain and may cause symptoms such as joint pain, fever, and heart problems.
• Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis: This is an inflammatory kidney disease that can occur after a streptococcal throat or skin infection. It can lead to symptoms like dark urine, swelling, and high blood pressure.
• Sinusitis: Group A Streptococcus can cause sinus infections, leading to symptoms like facial pain, nasal congestion, and fever.
• Ear Infections: It may also cause ear infections, resulting in ear pain and fever.
• Streptococcal Pneumonia: Although less common than other causes of pneumonia, Group A Streptococcus can lead to respiratory symptoms, such as cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.

Other common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Join swelling and pain
• Small, painless nodules under the skin
• Rapid, jerky movements (Sydenham's Chorea)
• Skin Rash
• Fatigue
• Bloody Urine
• High blood pressure

Why Do I Need an ASO Test?

The test helps to diagnose the current or recent strep infection that may cause health problems. The strep infection antibodies increase in 1 week after a strep infection. It may get higher for several weeks. ASO titers remain elevated after a streptococcal infection, even after the symptoms. By measuring ASO levels, healthcare providers can assess whether a patient has had a recent streptococcal infection, even if the infection occurred weeks or months ago.

Preparation for the ASO Test

The test does not require any special preparations or fasting. It's a simple blood test. However, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

• Please consult with your Doctor: It is always good to consult with your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as this may affect your test results. 
• Hydration: Drink enough water before the test to make the blood drawing process smoother and easier.
• Relax: Stay calm and relaxed before the test to minimize stress, as it may affect blood pressure and heart rate.
• Timing: The test can be done anytime in a day, but it is good to consult with your doctor about the timing of the test.

The procedure of the ASO test

The procedure is simple, your phlebotomist will clean the arm area with an antiseptic and tie a tourniquet. After that, a needle is inserted into a vein, and a small amount of blood is drawn into a special tube. Once the blood sample is collected, the tourniquet is removed, and a cotton ball or gauze pad is placed over the puncture site to stop any bleeding. 

The blood sample is labeled with your information and sent to a laboratory for analysis. In the laboratory, the blood sample is analyzed to measure the level of antistreptolysin O antibodies present in the blood.

What do the Test results indicate?

The ASO blood test measures the level of antistreptolysin O antibodies. The test reports indicate:

• Normal Results: A normal or negative result means that the level of antistreptolysin O antibodies in the blood is within the expected range. This suggests that there is no recent or current streptococcal infection.
• Elevated Results: High or positive results indicate higher-than-normal levels of antistreptolysin O antibodies in the blood. This suggests the person has had a recent or ongoing group A Streptococcus infection. The specific cutoff for what is considered elevated can vary by laboratory.
• Complications: High ASO levels suggest the risk of complications arising from a streptococcal infection, such as rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. Additional tests and clinical evaluation are advised to diagnose these complications.

What are the complications of the ASO blood test?

Antistreptolysin O is a simple blood test with no or minimal complications. However, there might be some complications with blood draws, include:

• Challenges in blood sample collection that may lead to multiple needle insertions.
• Excessive bleeding from the needle puncture site.
• Fainting as a response to the blood drawing process.
• The possibility of infection occurring at the site where the needle was inserted.

While the ASO test helps in the diagnosis of streptococcal infections, relying completely on the reports without clinical assessment can lead to misdiagnosis. Moreover, a positive ASO test can sometimes lead to unnecessary antibiotic use, contributing to antibiotic resistance.

What is the ASO test's normal range?

The ASO test normal range for adults is below 200, while for children under five, it's below 100. If your results exceed these ranges, it suggests a post-streptococcal issue. In some cases, even if your results are within the normal range but you show symptoms of a post-streptococcal complication, your doctor might advise a follow-up test.

ASO Test price at Redcliffe Labs

You can book your ASO test with Redcliffe Labs at INR 550. We provide professional diagnostic services at a highly affordable cost without compromising on quality. Our professionals are experienced enough to provide you with the painless blood-drawing experience. We offer this essential diagnostic test at a cost-effective rate, making it accessible to everyone who needs it. Your health matters to us, and we're committed to delivering accurate and reliable results without burning your pockets. Don't delay your health check-up. Visit Redcliffe Labs today and get your Antistreptolysin O test done. Take the first step towards better health and peace of mind. Your well-being is our priority.

Take the ASO Test to Prevent Streptococcal Infections

Antistreptolysin test helps to identify recent or ongoing streptococcal infections, and timely intervention is crucial in preventing the progression of streptococcal infections and complications like rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. Regular ASO testing is important for people who fall under high-risk groups, such as children, those with a history of streptococcal infections, and people with weakened immune systems. Moreover, if you have previously been diagnosed with streptococcal infection and are concerned about risks, monitoring your ASO levels through routine testing can provide peace of mind and help you and your healthcare provider take appropriate preventive measures.