Rheumatic Fever Panel

The Rheumatic Fever Panel test includes CBC, ESR test. Along with this ASO, CRP levels and throat Swab Culture and Sensitivity for aerobic bacteria is also performed.

• To diagnose and assess patients with rheumatic fever.
• To differentiate between Rheumatic Fever and other infections based on the laboratory test parameters.
• In patients presenting with cardiac abnormalities post strep infection.

People with the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Painful and tender joints with visible signs of inflammation.
• Those with a history of strep infection
• Fleeting joint pain.
• Fatigue, chest pain and cardiac abnormalities
• Jerky uncontrolled body movements [Sydenham’s chorea]

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

No special precautions.

CBC test

A low WBC count may suggest: Viral infection, Severe bacterial infection, Bone marrow disorders, Chemotherapy, Immunodeficiency, Auto immune disorders, Dietary deficiency, Reaction to drugs

A high WBC count suggests: Infection/inflammation, Allergies, Lymphoma, Leukemia, Stress, Pregnancy, Corticosteroid treatment, Chronic infection

ESR test

High ESR result is a non-specific marker. Elevations may be seen in inflammation, chronic infection, autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, kidney disease, menstruation, hypothyroidism & certain cancers like multiple myeloma.

ASO test

Elevated levels indicate past history of streptococcal infection (rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, tonsillitis, glomerulonephritis, etc.).

In the case of monoclonal gammopathies (e.g. WAldenstroms macroglobulinaemia) the measurements yield false highly elevated ASL concentrations in some patients.

CRP-C Reactive Protein

Increased CRP-C Reactive Protein levels may indicate infection, tissue injury, inflammatory disorders and associated diseases. Increase in CRP values are non-Specific and should not be interpreted without a complete history.

Culture & Sensitivity, Aerobic bacteria - Throat Swab

Positive result shows significant growth of pathogenic organism [streptococcal infection].

Result of culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test need to be correlated clinically.

Previous history of antibiotic usage may influence the growth of microorganisms in vitro.

• Rheumatic Fever
• ESR test
• ASO test
• CRP Test
• Throat Swab Culture
• Sensitivity for aerobic bacteria

• Complete blood count (CBC) evaluates cells circulating in blood i.e., red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets which determine general state of heath of an individual.

• If any abnormality is detected, further tests are recommended

This test measures the sedimentation rate of red blood cells. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a non-specific marker which increases in inflammation, chronic infection, autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, menstruation, hypothyroidism

ASO antibodies are specific antibodies to streptococcal metabolites that provides valuable information regarding past streptococcal infection (rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, tonsillitis, glomerulonephritis, etc.).

Measurement of CRP is useful for the detection and evaluation of infection, tissue injury, inflammatory disorders and associated diseases.

The test is useful to detect and diagnose bacterial Infection (streptococcal infection).