Anti Ovarian Antibody (AOA)

Immunity

Report in 48Hrs

At Home

No Fasting Required

Details

Detects antibodies against ovarian tissue.

₹4,884₹6,977

30% OFF

Anti-Ovarian Antibody (AOA) Test Information Guide

Section 1: Why is it done?
- Test Purpose: The Anti-Ovarian Antibody test detects autoimmune antibodies directed against ovarian tissue antigens. This test helps identify immune-mediated damage to the ovaries and potential ovarian dysfunction.
- Primary Indications: Investigation of unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss
- Evaluation of premature ovarian failure (POF) or early menopause
- Assessment of autoimmune-related reproductive dysfunction
- Investigation of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with suspected autoimmune component
- Evaluation of irregular menstrual cycles or anovulation of unknown etiology
- Assessment of women with systemic autoimmune diseases who have reproductive concerns
- Timing: Testing is typically performed during reproductive assessment, ideally during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, though it can be done at any time. Often ordered as part of comprehensive infertility workup.
Section 2: Normal Range
- Reference Range: Negative or < 1:10 titer (values vary by laboratory; some use < 1.0 U/mL or < 10 IU/mL)
- Units of Measurement: Titer ratio (1:10, 1:20, 1:40, etc.), International Units per milliliter (IU/mL), or optical density units (ODU)
- Result Interpretation:
- Negative/Absent: No detectable anti-ovarian antibodies; normal reproductive immune function
- Positive/Present: Detectable anti-ovarian antibodies; indicates autoimmune response against ovarian tissue (clinical significance depends on titer level and clinical context)
- Borderline/Weakly Positive (1:10-1:20 titer): May warrant repeat testing or clinical correlation; borderline significance without strong clinical symptoms
- Moderately to Strongly Positive (≥1:40 or high optical density): Significant autoimmune response; more likely to be clinically relevant
- Note: Reference ranges and result interpretation vary significantly between laboratories; always consult the specific laboratory reference ranges provided with test results.
Section 3: Interpretation
- Positive Result (Antibodies Detected):
- Indicates presence of autoimmune attack against ovarian tissue
- May suggest autoimmune ovarian dysfunction or premature ovarian failure
- Associated with reduced ovarian reserve and diminished fertility potential
- Higher titer levels may correlate with greater degree of ovarian damage
- Negative Result (No Antibodies Detected):
- Indicates no detectable autoimmune response against ovarian tissue
- Suggests reproductive dysfunction, if present, is likely not autoimmune-mediated
- Does not exclude other causes of infertility or ovarian dysfunction
- Factors Affecting Test Results:
- Phase of menstrual cycle (may vary throughout cycle)
- Laboratory methodology and assay platform used
- Presence of other autoimmune conditions (systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, thyroid disease)
- Medications (immunosuppressants, hormonal therapies)
- Previous ovarian surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation exposure
- Clinical Significance:
- A positive result should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical presentation, hormone levels (FSH, estradiol), and ovarian ultrasound findings
- AOA positivity is found in approximately 1-7% of women with unexplained infertility
- Higher prevalence observed in women with premature ovarian failure (10-35% depending on study and population)
- Test has limited predictive value as a standalone marker; combination with other tests improves diagnostic accuracy
Section 4: Associated Organs
- Primary Organ System: Female reproductive system, specifically the ovaries
- Related Structures: Fallopian tubes, uterus, and endometrium (secondary involvement possible)
- Associated Medical Conditions:
- Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) or Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) - autoimmune-mediated or idiopathic
- Autoimmune oophoritis - inflammatory disease of the ovaries
- Unexplained infertility with suspected immune involvement
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with autoimmune component
- Recurrent miscarriage - potentially related to autoimmune ovarian dysfunction
- Early menopause or irregular menstrual cycles
- Systemic autoimmune diseases (lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, thyroid disorders) with reproductive manifestations
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy or other immune-mediated conditions affecting fertility
- Potential Complications of Positive AOA:
- Progressive ovarian failure and accelerated decline in ovarian reserve
- Reduced fertility and decreased response to assisted reproductive technologies
- Increased risk of implantation failure in in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Higher miscarriage rates due to impaired embryo implantation or intrauterine environment
- Ovulation disorders and irregular menstrual patterns
- Increased systemic inflammation affecting overall health and fertility
Section 5: Follow-up Tests
- Hormone Level Assessment:
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - elevated in ovarian dysfunction
- Estradiol (E2) - low in ovarian failure
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) - marker of ovarian reserve
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - assess hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and thyroid antibodies - rule out thyroid autoimmunity
- Progesterone - confirm ovulation status
- Additional Autoimmune Markers:
- Anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies
- Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) panel - screen for systemic lupus erythematosus or other connective tissue disorders
- Anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) antibodies - screen for celiac disease
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) - assess for rheumatoid arthritis
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - markers of inflammation
- Complement levels (C3, C4) - assess immune system activation
- Imaging Studies:
- Transvaginal ultrasound - assess ovarian size, follicle count, and morphology
- Antral Follicle Count (AFC) - quantify ovarian reserve
- Fertility-Related Tests:
- Semen analysis (partner/male factor assessment)
- Anti-sperm antibodies - assess immune reactivity to sperm
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) or hysteroscopy - evaluate fallopian tube patency and uterine cavity
- Postcoital test (if performed) - assess cervical mucus and sperm interaction
- Repeat Testing:
- Retest AOA in 3-6 months if initial result borderline to assess progression or resolution
- Serial FSH testing (Day 3 FSH) - monitor ovarian reserve decline over time
- Periodic transvaginal ultrasound - monitor ovarian morphology and follicle status
- Monitoring Frequency for Positive Results:
- Initial follow-up: 4-6 weeks after positive result
- Ongoing monitoring: Every 3-6 months depending on clinical context and treatment response
- More frequent monitoring if pursuing fertility treatment or if symptoms worsen
Section 6: Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: NO - Fasting is NOT required for Anti-Ovarian Antibody testing
- Sample Collection Requirements:
- Blood draw can be performed at any time of day
- Preferably collected in early morning (convenience, patient comfort)
- Serum separator tube (SST) or gel separator tube typically used (follow laboratory guidelines)
- Approximately 5-10 mL of blood required
- Patient Preparation:
- No special preparation needed
- Patient may eat and drink normally
- Avoid excessive physical activity immediately before blood draw
- Remain seated for 5-10 minutes after blood draw to prevent dizziness or fainting
- Medications:
- No medications need to be withheld for AOA testing
- Continue all prescribed medications as directed unless specifically instructed otherwise by healthcare provider
- Note: Immunosuppressive medications (corticosteroids, biologics) may affect antibody levels but should not be discontinued without medical guidance
- Timing Considerations:
- Ideally performed during follicular phase (Days 2-5 of menstrual cycle) for consistency with other fertility testing
- Can be drawn at any time in anovulatory or postmenopausal women
- Coordinate timing with other hormone testing if multiple markers being assessed simultaneously
- Sample Processing and Storage:
- Samples typically centrifuged within 1-2 hours of collection
- Serum can be stored at room temperature, 2-8°C, or frozen depending on laboratory protocol and time to analysis
- Results typically available within 3-7 business days depending on laboratory

How our test process works!