Lab Dept: Chemistry
Test Name: ASO (ANTISTEPTOLYSIN O)
General Information
Lab Order Codes: ASOT
Synonyms: Antistreptolysin-O (ASO) Quantitative
CPT Codes: 86060 – Antistreptolysin O; titer
Test Includes: Antistreptolysin O concentration reported in IU/mL. If anti-DNase B is
also desired, see Streptococcal Antibodies
Logistics
Test Indications: Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titers are used to diagnose current versus past
infections with group A streptococci. The test detects antibodies to
Streptolysin O, one of the many streptococcal antigens. In addition, it
may be used to help diagnose rheumatic fever.
Lab Testing Sections: Chemistry - Sendouts
Referred to: Mayo Medical Laboratories (MML Test: ASO)
Phone Numbers: MIN Lab: 612-813-6280
STP Lab: 651-220-6550
Test Availability: Daily, 24 hours
Turnaround Time: 1 – 3 days, testing performed Monday-Saturday
Special Instructions: N/A
Specimen
Specimen Type: Blood
Container: SST (Gold, marble or red) tube
Draw Volume: 3 mL (Minimum: 1.5 mL) blood
Processed Volume: 1 mL (Minimum: 0.5 mL) serum
Collection: Routine venipuncture
Special Processing: Lab Staff: Centrifuge specimen, remove serum aliquot into a plastic
sample cup. Store at refrigerated temperatures.
Patient Preparation: Fasting is preferred, but not required.
Sample Rejection: Mislabeled or unlabeled; specimens other than serum; gross lipemia
Interpretive
Reference Range: Age: Range (IU/mL):
<5 years: Less than or equal to 70 IU/mL
5 – 17 years: Less than or equal to 640 IU/mL
≥18 years: Less than or equal to 530 IU/mL
Interpretation: Elevated values are consistent with an antecedent
infection by group A streptococci. Although the antistreptolysin O (ASO)
test is quite reliable, performing the anti-DNase is justified because
ASO response is not universal and elevated ASO titers are found in the
sera of about 85% of individuals with rheumatic fever. ASO titers remain
normal in about 15% of individuals with the disease. The same holds
true for other streptococcal antibody tests. A significant portion of
individuals with normal antibody titers for 1 test will have elevated
antibody titers for another test. Thus, the percentage of false-negatives
can be reduced by performing 2 or more antibody tests. Skin infections,
in contrast to throat infections, are associated with a poor ASO
response. Patients with acute glomerulonephritis following skin infection
(post-impetigo) have an attenuated immune response to streptolysin O.
For such patients, performance of an alternative streptococcal antibody
test such as anti-DNase B is recommended.
Critical Values: N/A
Limitations: The use of the antistreptolysin O (ASO) for the diagnosis of an acute A
streptococcal infection is rarely indicated, unless the patient has
received antibiotics that would render the culture negative. There are a
certain limitations to the use of the ASO test in these circumstances due
to the delay and attenuation of the immune response following early
antibiotic therapy.
False-high titers may be obtained wit sera that are contaminated by
certain bacterial organisms during shipment or storage and n patients
with liver disease where the presence of high lipoprotein concentrations
in the serum may mimic antibody activity.
Methodology: Nephelometry
References: Mayo Medical Laboratories November 2017
Updates: 3/24/2014: Moved from an internal test to Mayo.
12/8/2017: Updated collection container.
