Full Form of ASST, Autologous Serum Skin Test

An autologous serum skin test (ASST) is a diagnostic test that helps determine whether a person has autoimmune urticaria, a type of hives caused by the immune system attacking the body's tissues.

Digoniosis Result For Asst

Of the total 48 patients who participated in the study, 20 (about 42%) were positive for the Autologous Serum Skin Test (ASST). 

• The remaining 28 patients (about 58%) were ASST-negative. The disease duration was similar in both ASST positive and negative patients, with a median duration of 1 year. 
• However, the study found that patients with a history of round-shaped weals had a higher ASST positivity rate of about 67%, although this result was not statistically significant.
• Similarly, ASST positivity was observed in 71% of patients with systemic involvement. 
• However, this result was also not statistically significant. These findings may provide valuable insights for diagnosing and treating autoimmune urticaria.

How is the ASST Done?

During an autologous serum skin test (ASST), a small amount of the patient's blood is collected and then processed to create a serum. The serum is then injected into the skin, typically on the forearm or upper arm.

The Process Of ASST

During an autologous serum skin test (ASST), a small amount of the patient's blood is collected and processed to create a serum. 

• Typically, 0.05 mL of serum is injected intradermally into the volar aspect of the forearm while avoiding areas of recent wealing within the past 24 hours.
• In addition, equal amounts of normal saline (as a negative control) and histamine (at a concentration of 10 μg/mL as a positive control) are injected intradermally 3 to 5 centimetres apart in the volar aspect of the same forearm. 
• The injection sites are then observed for any signs of a reaction, such as redness, swelling, or itching. 
• If the patient has autoimmune urticaria, the injected serum may cause a reaction in the skin, indicating the presence of autoantibodies.
• The test result is typically considered positive if the skin reaction is more significant than a certain size threshold, usually determined by the healthcare provider.
• The injection site is then observed for any signs of a reaction, such as 
• Redness, 
• Swelling, 
• Or itching. 

How The Result Is Determined?

If the patient has autoimmune urticaria, the injected serum may cause a reaction in the skin, indicating the presence of autoantibodies. 

• The test result is typically considered positive if the skin reaction is more significant than a certain size threshold, usually determined by the healthcare provider.

How Reliable Is ASST?

The ASST is a relatively simple and safe test and typically takes only a few minutes to complete. 

• However, it should only be performed by a healthcare provider with experience performing and interpreting the test. 
• In addition, the test may not be appropriate for everyone.
• Patients should consult their healthcare provider to determine whether the ASST is a suitable diagnostic tool for their case.

How Long Does Autologous Serum Last?

Besides its primary use in detecting chronic urticaria, autologous serum skin testing can provide additional benefits. 

• In a recent study, how many patients with allergic rhinitis reacted positively to the test was significantly higher than that of healthy individuals.
• These results could contribute to future investigations into the shared pathological mechanisms between
• Chronic idiopathic urticaria 
• Allergic rhinitis in patients who exhibit positive autologous serum skin testing results.

The Reactions OF ASST Tests

During an autologous serum skin test, a small amount of the patient's blood serum is injected into the skin on the volar aspect of the forearm, along with a histamine and saline control. 

• If the patient has autoimmune urticaria, the injected serum may cause a reaction in the skin, indicating the presence of autoantibodies. 
• The reaction can appear as a red, swollen, and itchy bump at the injection site.
• A healthcare provider usually observes and measures the reaction after 15-30 minutes. 
• The size of the bump and the severity of the patient's symptoms are used to determine the severity of the reaction and the presence of autoantibodies. 
• A positive result indicates the presence of autoantibodies and suggests a diagnosis of autoimmune urticaria.

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