A diagnosis of rheumatic fever is being ruled out for a child. The parents cannot remember the child having a recent streptococcal infection. Which lab test would confirm a recent streptococcal infection?
A)Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
B)Throat culture
C)C-reactive protein
D)Antistreptolysin-O (ASO) titer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Antistreptolysin-O (ASO) titer is a blood test used to detect previous infection by group A Streptococcus, the bacteria responsible for diseases such as strep throat and rheumatic fever. It measures antibodies against streptolysin O, a toxin produced by these bacteria. This makes it a useful test for confirming a recent streptococcal infection, especially when trying to diagnose conditions like rheumatic fever that may follow such infections.

A Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever Is Being Ruled Out for a Child