Anti-DNase B
Alternative Names: Antideoxyribonuclease B titer; ADN-B test
Anti-DNase B is a blood test to look for antibodies to a substance produced by Group A Streptococcus, the bacteria that cause strep throat.
See also:
Why is the Test Performed?
This test is most often done to tell if you have previously had a strep infection and if you might have rheumatic fever or kidney problems (glomerulonephritis) due to that infection.
How is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture.
Preparation for the Test
No special preparation is necessary.
How will the Test Feel?
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.
Anti-DNase B Risks
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
When used together with the ASO titer test, more than 90% of past streptococcal infections can be correctly identified.
Normal Results for Anti-DNase B
A negative test is normal. This means:
- Adults: less than 85 units/mL
- School-age children: less than 170 units/mL
- Preschool children: less than 60 units/mL
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Increased levels of DNase B levels may indicate:
- Rheumatic fever
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis after strep throat or strep-related skin infection
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Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Copyright 2011 A.D.A.M., Inc.
