Anti Streptolysin O Rapid

Also known as ASLO

₹539

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Anti Streptolysin O Rapid

What is Anti Streptolysin O Rapid?

The Anti Streptolysin O Rapid is a blood test that measures the levels of antibodies against streptolysin O, a toxin produced by group A streptococcus bacteria. It helps diagnose recent streptococcal infections, providing quick results, making it ideal for fast screening in clinical settings.

The Anti Streptolysin O Rapid test looks for antibodies in your blood that your body makes while fighting off Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. This bacteria can cause various infections including strep throat, scarlet fever, skin infections, cellulitis etc.

The Anti Streptolysin O Rapid test helps in the initial screening to confirm recent streptococcal infection. This infection, if left untreated can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever (a serious complication of untreated strep throat, affecting the heart, joints, brain and skin) and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (an inflammation of kidneys, following a streptococcal infection, leading to kidney damage), which can occur weeks after the initial infection.

While the Anti Streptolysin O Rapid test offers quick results, it is generally qualitative or semi-quantitative, indicating the presence and approximate levels of antibodies in the blood rather than providing a precise measurement.

This test is recommended for individuals showing symptoms of a recent streptococcal infection or related complications including joint pain, skin rashes, fever, or kidney problems. It is particularly useful when individuals exhibit symptoms that could be related to streptococcal infections but lack a clear history of such an infection.

Elevated ASO titres can suggest that the body has mounted an immune response to a recent or ongoing strep infection. However, ASO levels can sometimes be temporarily elevated in individuals due to other factors like long-term illnesses, other infections etc., or even in healthy individuals without any symptoms.

No special preparation is required for this test. However, inform your doctor about any medications, supplements or any underlying medical conditions you may have, as these factors could potentially affect the test results.

Lab test results may vary across laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results as the insights from this test helps doctors assess the severity of the infection and determine appropriate treatment plans.

What is Anti Streptolysin O Rapid used for?

The Anti Streptolysin O Rapid test is done:

To confirm a recent infection with group A Streptococcus bacteria.
To help diagnose and manage complications that can arise post-streptococcal infection such as rheumatic fever or post streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
To monitor the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment over time against streptococcal bacterial infections.
To differentiate streptococcal infections from other causes of similar symptoms.
To identify carriers or recurring infections to help prevent outbreaks or complications.

What does Anti Streptolysin O Rapid measure?

The Anti Streptolysin O Rapid test measures the level of antibodies in the blood that target streptolysin O, a homogeneous exotoxin produced by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria (Group A streptococcus bacteria). When the body is infected with these bacteria, it produces antibodies, including ASO, as part of the immune response to neutralize the toxin. This test quantifies the concentration of ASO antibodies in the bloodstream, signaling the body’s immune response to a recent or ongoing streptococcal infection.

An abnormal or positive test result means you recently had a streptococcal infection, even if you had no symptoms. Additionally, monitoring ASO levels over time can help assess the efficacy of the treatment and detect any potential complication such as rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis which may arise as a result of streptococcal infection. Therefore, the Anti Streptolysin O Rapid test plays an important role in diagnosing and managing streptococcal infections and associated conditions.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anti Streptolysin O Rapid

Frequently Asked Questions about Anti Streptolysin O Rapid

Q. What is the Anti Streptolysin O Rapid test used for?

The Anti Streptolysin O Rapid test is a blood test used to determine if you've had a recent infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria.

Q. Why do I need the Anti Streptolysin O Rapid test?

Your doctor may recommend the Anti Streptolysin O Rapid test if you have symptoms of a recent streptococcal infection or its associated complications, such as rheumatic fever, or streptococcal glomerulonephritis. This test helps in diagnosing these conditions and determining if recent streptococcal infection is the cause of your symptoms.

Q. What are the risks associated with the Anti Streptolysin O Rapid test?

The risks associated with this test are generally minimal. However, some people may experience mild pain or discomfort at the site from where the blood sample is taken, which is usually self-limiting.

Q. What do the abnormal test results mean?

Elevated levels of ASO antibodies indicate a recent or past infection with Streptococcus group A bacteria (streptococcus pyogenes). Further evaluation is necessary based on these abnormal results.

Q. What is the treatment for Antistreptolysin?

Your body makes the antistreptolysin O antibodies when you have a streptococcal (strep) infection. Usually, when you have a strep infection like strep throat, you receive antibiotics that kill the strep bacteria.