ASLO

ASLO test is a blood examination that determines the level of antibodies against streptolysin O which is a toxin produced by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. This is important because it helps in the diagnosis of previous streptococcal infection such as strep throat and helps in identifying patients who are at risk of developing complications like rheumatic fever. 

The ASLO is performed using agglutination method for evaluation of the level of antibodies against streptolysin O. It loses its efficacy when there is a significant concentration of the exogenous antibodies as they would precipitate out of the solution containing the precipitating antibodies. This is done on blood samples, the source of which is a vein in the arm. 

ASLO test checks for the presence of antibodies to the streptolysin O in the blood. The concentration of antibodies is measured and reported by the lab as a titer. 

ASLO Test is usually ordered for diagnosis of past streptococcal infections like strep throat or for some patients who may develop complications like rheumatic fever. The test may be prescribed by a healthcare provider when patients present with fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, or any history of strep infections.  

The ASLO test is very safe, and there are no considerable risks associated with taking the ASLO test. However, like any blood work, there might be minor discomfort or bruising where blood was drawn. 

There may also be some constraints to the test such as:  

• False negative results: In some cases, patients who recently had an infection may have a negative test result. 
• When considering streptococcal infection history in the patient, antibodies to streptolysin O may be noted even if a recent infection was not present. 
• Other bacterial toxins may cause the production of antibodies that the test may detect, therefore leading to cross-reactivity with capture antibodies: false positives. 

The ASLO test determines the concentration of antibodies in the blood specific to Streptolysin O. The medical diagnosis expects the following findings:  

• Antibody titer. A positive high titer indicates a relatively new infection to streptococcus and/or a high possibility of complications developing. 
• Antibody class. Staining for anti-streptolysin O antibodies shows that they can be IgG, IgM, and IgA. 

The ASLO Test critical for the health of these people:  

• Individuals with signs of streptococcal throat or other infections. 
• Patients with history of streptococcal infections or rheumatic fever. 
• Those who live with a person suffering from strep throat or other streptococcal infection. 

The ASLO test is particularly useful in diagnosing patients who are likely developing post streptococcal complications like rheumatic fever and those who may have strep throat in the preceding weeks. The ASLO test also assists in:  

• Some cases of strep throat and other cases of upper respiratory streptococcal infections. 
• Watch over the success of the prescribed treatments for streptococcal infections. 
• Use by patients requiring prolonged cessation of infections for strong antibiotics. 

The ASLO test can identify a person who has had a streptococcal infection, including:  

• Streptococcal pharyngitis. 
• Streptococcal scarlatina. 
• Vf. 
• Glomerulonephritis after streptococcal infections. 

Patients undergoing the ASLO test are not suggested to take any special measures. However: 

• Patients are encouraged to declare to their doctor all their medications including antibiotics. 
• Patients should refrain from receiving any vaccines or immunizations within the four weeks leading up to the test.  
• Patients should not take medicines that could potentially affect the test results, like corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents.  

Procedure of taking the test: The procedure involves drawing blood from the arm using a syringe with a sterile needle. The blood is collected and sent to the lab for further testing.  

Caution before the test: Patients must not have active bleeding tendencies or use any drugs that could alter the clotting of blood before the examination.