Book at Alpha Laboratory, Banur, on 8872524007.
What the ASO test checks
The report gives the ASO titre, usually in IU/mL, measured by latex agglutination or turbidimetry. The antibody starts rising about one to three weeks after a strep infection, peaks at around three to five weeks, and then falls slowly over several months.
Why your doctor may order it
The ASO test is mainly used to look for complications that follow a strep infection:
- acute rheumatic fever, with fever, migrating joint pain or swelling, and sometimes heart involvement, still seen in children and teenagers in India
- post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which can cause puffy eyes, dark or cola-coloured urine and high blood pressure a couple of weeks after a sore throat or skin sores
- joint pain in a child or young adult after a recent throat infection
It isn't useful for deciding whether today's sore throat is strep. That needs a throat swab.
How to prepare
No fasting is needed. Bring any past ASO reports, because the doctor may compare levels. Mention recent antibiotics, which can blunt the antibody rise.
Sample type and report time
- Sample: serum (red or yellow cap tube)
- Fasting: not needed
- Report: usually same day or next day
Doctors often ask for a second sample 10 to 14 days later to see whether the titre is rising. Call 8872524007 to plan the repeat.
Understanding your results
Normal values depend on age. School-age children often have higher baseline levels than adults, and many labs quote an adult upper limit of around 200 IU/mL. The range printed on your report is the one that applies, since ranges vary by lab, method and age group.
A raised or rising ASO can be associated with a recent group A streptococcal infection, and supports a diagnosis of rheumatic fever or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis when symptoms fit. A single mildly raised value is common in healthy children, especially where strep throats are frequent. Some people with skin strep infections don't raise ASO much, so doctors may add anti-DNase B. Your doctor reads the result alongside your symptoms and other tests, such as ESR or CRP and a urine test.
FAQ
What does a high ASO titre mean?
It suggests a strep infection in the past few weeks to months. It doesn't by itself diagnose rheumatic fever; that depends on symptoms and other findings.
Can an ASO test diagnose a sore throat?
No. ASO takes one to three weeks to rise, so it says nothing about a current infection. A throat swab is the right test for that.
Is there an ASO test near me in Banur for my child?
Yes. Children can give the sample at our M.C. Road lab, or we can collect at home through home sample collection.
Why does the doctor want a repeat ASO?
A titre that rises between two samples taken about two weeks apart is stronger evidence of a recent strep infection than one raised value.
Book at Alpha Laboratory
Book an ASO test, for yourself or your child, on 8872524007, or WhatsApp us the doctor's note. Hours and directions are on our contact page.