ASO Qualitative Test in Kathmandu

About this test

The ASO qualitative test looks for anti-streptolysin O antibodies — proteins your immune system makes in response to streptolysin O, a toxin released by Group A streptococcus, the bacterium behind throat infections (strep throat) and skin infections like impetigo. Rather than catching the bacteria itself, this test detects the immune footprint left behind, which is why it is most useful a few weeks after the original infection has settled. Antibody levels typically begin rising about one to two weeks after a streptococcal infection, peak at three to six weeks, and then slowly decline over several months. Doctors order it when they suspect a complication of an untreated or partially treated strep infection — particularly acute rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart valves, or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, a kidney inflammation that may follow a skin or throat infection. In Nepal, where rheumatic heart disease remains a significant cause of valve damage in children and young adults, this test carries real weight when a child presents with joint pains that flit from one joint to another, a recent sore throat, unexplained fever, jerky involuntary movements, or dark, reduced urine. The qualitative version simply reports the result as positive or negative against a standard cut-off, telling your doctor whether a recent streptococcal exposure is likely. It is rarely read alone — your doctor will weigh it alongside your symptoms, throat swab or culture, ECG and echocardiogram findings, inflammatory markers such as ESR and CRP, and sometimes a repeat test a fortnight later to see whether levels are climbing, which is more telling than any single reading.

Sample type

Blood (serum)

Preparation

No fasting required. Tell us if you have recently taken antibiotics or steroids, as these can lower the result.

Turnaround time

Reports for ASO Qualitative are typically ready within: Next Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other immunology tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside ASO Qualitative or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.