Q: I am 32 years old and have done my blood tests. My ASO titre value is 200 IU/ml. What does it mean? Please tell me the consequences and how to cure this? I got RA factor positive in my first blood test, but the next time after using medicines, the RA factor was negative. But the ASO titre value is the same. I did all these tests as I got swelling and pain in my feet, near my thumb joint. After 4 days of medication all these got normal. The doctor told me to take rest. Please clear my doubts.

A:ASO titre is a test meant for children and juveniles (below the age of 16 years). It has no meaning after that age and it should never be done after that age. Unfortunately, some doctors may not be aware of this simple fact mainly because they are not rheumatologists. Therefore, the doctors are making this mistake of getting ASO test done in patients above 16 years of age without any reason or scientific basis and causing a lot of confusion (similar to getting rheumatoid factor done; another grossly misused test which should not be done in any one unless there are ball-like swellings on the joints of the fingers). Therefore, as far as you are concerned, there is no worry on account of any test report. In case of any problem, you can consult a rheumatologist (physicians specialising in diseases of joint disease).