ASO Test (Anti Streptolysin-O)

ASO Test (Anti-Streptolysin O)

Test Overview

Infections caused by Streptococcus bacteria can lead to serious complications if not detected and treated early. One important diagnostic tool for identifying a recent streptococcal infection is the ASO Test (Anti-Streptolysin-O). This guide provides a complete overview of the ASO test, explaining its purpose, importance, procedure, costs, and how to book it online with Apollo 24|7.

What Is the ASO Test?

The ASO test measures the level of antistreptolysin O antibodies in the blood. These antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to an infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, which are responsible for illnesses such as strep throat, scarlet fever, and impetigo. The test, often referred to as the ASO titre test, is primarily used to detect recent streptococcal infections and assist in diagnosing post-streptococcal complications like rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. If you are looking to get this test done, you can easily find an ASO titre test near me at various diagnostic centres. It is also important to compare the ASO titre test price and ASO titre test cost to ensure you choose an affordable and reliable option.

How Much Does the ASO Test (Anti-Streptolysin O) Cost?

ASO Test  Price in Different Cities

The cost of the ASO Test can vary based on factors such as your location, the diagnostic centre you choose, and whether the test is part of a comprehensive health package.

Factors Influencing ASO Test Price

Several elements can affect the price of the ASO Test, including:

• Location: Prices may be higher in metropolitan hospitals compared to smaller towns or semi-urban areas.
• Test Package Type: Many laboratories offer autoimmune and infection-related packages that include the ASO Test, which can influence the overall cost.
• Diagnostic Centre Reputation: Well-known providers like Apollo Diagnostics may offer exclusive discounts or bundled services through Apollo 24|7.
• Online Booking Discounts: Scheduling your test online via platforms like Apollo 24|7 can provide reduced rates or additional benefits.

For the most accurate pricing and available offers, visit the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile app and schedule your test conveniently.

Why Is the ASO Test (Anti Streptolysin-O) Important?

The Antistreptolysin O (ASO) test is a valuable tool for detecting past group A Streptococcus infections and assessing whether they have led to complications affecting the heart, kidneys, joints, or immune system.

• Confirming Recent Streptococcal Infections: The ASO test helps determine if a person has had a recent streptococcal infection, even if symptoms were mild or went unnoticed. Since group A Streptococcus bacteria can trigger immune responses that persist long after the infection clears, measuring ASO levels provides insight into the body's reaction.
• Diagnosing Post-Streptococcal Complications: In some cases, untreated or improperly managed strep infections can lead to serious health conditions. Elevated ASO levels may indicate:
• Rheumatic Fever: A systemic inflammatory disease that can develop weeks after a strep infection, affecting the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system. If left untreated, it can cause permanent heart valve damage. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, fever, skin nodules, and abnormal heart rhythms.
• Glomerulonephritis: A kidney disorder caused by an immune response to a previous streptococcal infection. It leads to inflammation in the kidneys, which can result in swelling, high blood pressure, and kidney dysfunction. If untreated, it may progress to kidney failure.
• Post-Streptococcal Arthritis: Some individuals develop joint inflammation and stiffness following a streptococcal infection. This can mimic other forms of arthritis and may cause painful swelling in multiple joints, particularly the knees, ankles, and elbows.
• Bacterial Endocarditis: In rare cases, a past strep infection may contribute to an infection of the heart’s inner lining (endocardium). This condition can lead to heart valve damage and life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.
• Other Autoimmune Reactions: Since the immune system plays a role in fighting infections, an abnormal or excessive immune response to streptococcal bacteria may trigger additional complications affecting various organs.
• Monitoring Disease Progression and Recovery: Doctors may use the ASO test to track antibody levels over time, helping assess how the body is recovering from a strep-related illness. A gradual decline in ASO levels suggests that the immune system is returning to normal, while persistently high levels may indicate ongoing inflammation or complications.

Who Should Get the ASO Test?

Doctors may order an ASO test if a patient has symptoms or a medical history suggesting post-streptococcal complications, such as:
Persistent or Recurring Sore Throat: Frequent episodes of strep throat may indicate a lingering infection. An ASO test helps determine if the immune system has responded to previous exposure.

• Unexplained Fever or Fatigue: A prolonged fever or persistent tiredness without a clear cause may be linked to a prior streptococcal infection. Testing can confirm if the immune system has been affected.
• Joint Pain or Swelling: Post-streptococcal arthritis or rheumatic fever can lead to inflammation in the joints. An ASO test can help identify whether a past strep infection contributed to these symptoms.
• Kidney Problems: If symptoms such as swelling, blood in the urine, or high blood pressure arise after a streptococcal infection, an ASO test can help detect post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
• Heart Symptoms or Murmurs: Rheumatic fever can cause heart inflammation and valve damage. An ASO test may help confirm if a previous strep infection contributed to cardiac symptoms.
• Skin Infections Caused by Streptococcus: Certain bacterial skin conditions, such as impetigo or scarlet fever, can trigger an immune response detectable through ASO levels.

How to Prepare for the ASO Test?

Preparation for the ASO test is generally straightforward:

• Fasting: Fasting is not required before the test.
• Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you're taking. Certain antibiotics and corticosteroids can affect ASO antibody levels and may influence test results.
• Timing: The ASO test is most effective when performed 1–2 weeks after the onset of symptoms. If the initial test is negative but suspicion remains, a repeat test may be recommended after 10–14 days.

What Is the Procedure for the ASO Blood Test?

The ASO (Anti-Streptolysin O) test is a blood test used to measure the level of antistreptolysin O antibodies and typically follows these steps:

• Blood Sample Collection: A healthcare professional will clean the skin and insert a sterile needle into a vein, usually in the arm, to draw a small blood sample.
• Laboratory Analysis: The blood sample is sent to a lab, where it is tested using special tests (latex agglutination, nephelometry, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) to measure ASO antibody levels.
• Result Interpretation: ASO levels are analysed to determine whether they are elevated, which may indicate a recent or past streptococcal infection.

Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the diagnostic centre. If ASO levels are high, doctors may recommend additional tests to assess potential complications like rheumatic fever or kidney disease.

Understanding ASO Test Results

The ASO test detects Anti-Streptolysin O antibodies, which are produced when the body encounters Streptolysin O, a toxin released by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. The presence of these antibodies indicates a recent or past streptococcal infection, but it does not confirm an active infection.

• ASO levels typically begin to rise 1 to 3 weeks after infection, peak between 3 to 8 weeks, and gradually decline over several months.

Normal Range for ASO Levels

• Doctors use reference ranges to determine whether ASO levels are normal or elevated. While values can vary slightly between laboratories, typical ASO levels are:
• Children under 5 years: Below 70 IU/mL
• Children aged 5–17 years: Below 640 IU/mL
• Adults (18 years and older): Below 530 IU/mL.

ASO levels naturally fluctuate over time, peaking 3 to 8 weeks after infection and gradually declining. In some individuals, ASO antibodies may remain detectable for several months.

Interpreting Your ASO Test Results

High ASO Levels (>530 IU/mL in adults, >640 IU/mL in children aged 5–17 years, >70 IU/mL in children under 5 years)
Elevated ASO levels may indicate:

• Recent or past streptococcal infection that was not completely resolved.
• Rheumatic fever, which can cause heart and joint complications.
• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, a condition that leads to kidney inflammation.
• Autoimmune complications, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.
• High ASO levels alone do not confirm an active infection, so doctors may order additional tests to assess potential complications.

Low or Normal ASO Levels (<530 IU/mL in adults, <640 IU/mL in children aged 5–17 years, <70 IU/mL in children under 5 years)
If ASO levels fall within the normal range, it typically means:

• No recent streptococcal infection.
• The immune system did not produce a strong antibody response to a past infection.
• The infection was treated early with antibiotics, preventing a significant immune reaction.
• Even if ASO levels are low or normal, doctors may recommend further testing if symptoms persist.

Declining ASO Levels

• A gradual decrease in ASO levels suggests that the immune system is clearing the infection and that the body is recovering. This decline indicates that the streptococcal infection is resolving, reducing the likelihood of ongoing complications such as rheumatic fever or post-streptococcal kidney issues.

Doctors may monitor ASO levels over several weeks to ensure they continue to decrease, confirming that the immune response is returning to normal.

What Factors Affect ASO Levels?

Several factors can influence ASO levels:

• Recent Antibiotic Use: Early antibiotic treatment can reduce ASO levels, affecting test interpretation.
• Immune System Function: Weakened immunity (e.g., HIV, immunosuppressive therapy) may lead to lower ASO levels, even after infection.
• Underlying Health Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, kidney disease, and liver disorders can alter ASO levels, requiring careful evaluation.
• Recurrent Infections: Multiple streptococcal infections may cause persistently high ASO levels, even after recovery.

How to Access Your ASO Test (Anti Streptolysin-O) Report on Apollo 24|7?

If you’ve recently taken the ASO Test (Anti Streptolysin-O) through Apollo, accessing your results online is simple and convenient. Just follow these steps:

• Wait for a Notification: Apollo 24|7 will send you an SMS or email as soon as your test results are ready to view.
• Log In to Your Apollo 24|7 Account: Use your registered mobile number or email address to securely access your account.
• Navigate to the Reports Section: Once logged in, go to the “Reports” tab on your dashboard. This section contains all your medical test results.
• Locate Your ASO Test Report: You can scroll through the list or use the search bar to quickly find your ASO Test report.
• View or Download Your Report: Click to open and review the results. You also have the option to download the report as a PDF for your records or share it with your doctor.

If you have questions about your ASO titre test results or need help understanding what they mean, Apollo 24|7 makes it easy to connect with a medical expert. You can book a consultation with a qualified doctor directly through the platform for personalised guidance and care. Whether you're concerned about the implications of a recent streptococcal infection or simply want clarity on your ASO titre test report, Apollo 24|7 offers convenient access to expert advice. You can also explore options for booking the ASO titre test near me and compare the ASO titre test price and ASO titre test cost to find the most suitable diagnostic centre for your needs.