Investigators: Asha Bowen, Meru Sheel
External collaborators: Julie Hart (Department of Health WA), John Joseph (Department of Health WA), Neil Kent (PathWest Laboratory Medicine), Robert Wardrop (Gilbert Bain NHS Hospital), Sam Abbs (PathWest Laboratory Medicine), Monika Rybak (PathWest Laboratory Medicine)
This study was designed to determine the sensitivity and reproducibility of recovering anti-streptolysin O titres (ASOT) from dried blood spot (DBS) samples, a methodologic subcomponent of the penicillin pharmacokinetic studies in children receiving secondary prophylaxis with intramuscular benzathine penicillin for acute rheumatic fever.
Serological assays from blood stored on filter paper, also known as a dried blood spot (DBS), is a low-technology, low-cost, patient friendly blood collection method in resource poor settings where access to laboratory technology may be limited. These samples require only a few drops of blood usually collected via a fingerprick sample, which allows easy collection in the field. DBS assays are a low resource methodology making field research more feasible at a relatively low cost and with potential for better patient uptake due to the avoidance of traditional syringe blood collection methods.
In this context, the aim was to develop and validate a DBS assay for group A streptococcal titres (anti-streptolysin O antibody) that is reliable and reproducible. The streptococcal DBS could be used in remote area context research where it is more difficult to transport and test serological specimens in a timely manner, and for children where syringe blood collection is often difficult and painful.