What You Should Know

What Are Sjögren’s Antibodies?

Sjögren’s antibody testing is done using a blood sample. It checks antibody levels, including anti-SS-A (also called anti-Ro) and anti-SS-B (also called anti-La). Anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B are autoantibodies (antibodies that mistakenly attack the body’s own tissue).

Elevated levels of these autoantibodies are strongly associated with Sjögren’s disease, in which they attack healthy glands that make tears and saliva. They can also be present in several other autoimmune conditions.

Why This Test Is Given

Symptoms that might indicate Sjögren’s disease include:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Joint stiffness or joint pain
• Fatigue
• Joint swelling
• Skin redness
• Systemic disease, including kidney failure, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and thyroid disease

Sjögren’s antibody levels are measured as part of the diagnostic evaluation of symptoms that could be associated with this and other autoimmune conditions. These antibody levels may also be measured to assess the risk of heart disease in people with autoimmune diseases.

Before the Test

When preparing for Sjögren’s antibody testing, consider:

• Time: Plan for approximately one hour for the registration, pretesting, and antibody test process. The actual blood draw should only take about 10 minutes.
• Location: This test will likely be done in an outpatient setting such as your healthcare provider’s office, a clinic, or a lab.
• What to wear: Make sure you can roll up your sleeve for access to your inner arm at the elbow.
• What to bring: You will need your test order form, identification, and health insurance information.

During the Test

At your test appointment, you will need to register and sign a consent form. You might have your vital signs checked (temperature, breathing rate, pulse, and blood pressure).

You will sit for your test and roll up your sleeves above the elbow. A nurse or phlebotomist will clean and disinfect the area before taking a blood sample.

Additional Testing

The following tests are also routinely performed in suspected cases of Sjögren’s disease:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia, infection, or inflammation
• Blood chemistry tests to evaluate kidney and liver function
• Urinalysis to check for kidney damage or infection
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to evaluate joint damage or other organ involvement

Conclusion

A number of inflammatory conditions can cause an increase in Sjögren’s antibodies. These tests are used in combination with a medical history, clinical examination, and other diagnostic tests to help guide the diagnosis and determine the best treatment course for your condition.

FAQs

• What are Sjögren’s antibodies?
  • Sjögren’s antibodies are autoantibodies that mistakenly attack the body’s own tissue, particularly in the glands that produce tears and saliva.
• What are the symptoms of Sjögren’s disease?
  • Symptoms of Sjögren’s disease include dry eyes, dry mouth, joint stiffness or joint pain, fatigue, joint swelling, skin redness, and systemic disease.
• How is Sjögren’s antibody testing done?
  • Sjögren’s antibody testing is done using a blood sample, which checks antibody levels, including anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B.
• What are the complications of Sjögren’s disease?
  • Complications of Sjögren’s disease can include kidney failure, gastrointestinal symptoms, thyroid disease, and heart disease.

Note: The article has been rewritten to include headings, subheadings, and a conclusion section. The FAQs section has been added at the end.