MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Anti-DNase B

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Anti-DNase B

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition How the Test is Performed How to Prepare for the Test How the Test Will Feel	Why the Test is Performed Normal Results What Abnormal Results Mean Risks Considerations

Illustrations

Blood test

Alternative Names Return to top

Antideoxyribonuclease B titer; ADN-B test

Definition Return to top

Anti-DNase B is a blood test to look for a substance produced by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, which causes strep throat.

See also:

How the Test is Performed Return to top

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.

Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

How to Prepare for the Test Return to top

No special preparation is necessary.

How the Test Will Feel Return to top

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed Return to top

This test is most often done to tell if you have previously had a strep infection.

Normal Results Return to top

A negative test is normal.

Adults: less than 85 Todd units/mL
School-age children: less than 170 Todd units/mL
Preschool children: less than 60 Todd units/mL

What Abnormal Results Mean Return to top

Increased levels of DNase B levels may be due to:

Rheumatic fever
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis after strep throat or strep-related skin infection

Risks Return to top

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks:

Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling light-headed
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Considerations Return to top

When used together with the ASO titer test, more than 90% of streptococcal infections can be correctly identified.

Update Date: 5/27/2007

Updated by: Steve Lee, DO, Rheumatology Fellow, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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