Sjögren’s Antibodies (Anti-SS-A/Anti-SS-B)

Additional Information:

SS-A(Ro) is found in 60 to 70 percent of patients with Sjögren's syndrome and 30 to 40 percent of patients with SLE. SS-B(La) is found in 50 to 60 percent of Sjögren's syndrome and 10 to 15 percent of SLE. SS-A cannot be demonstrated by immunofluorescence (it is soluble in the buffers used), but SS-B may be seen as a speckled antinuclear pattern. SS-A and SS-B are particularly useful in ANA-negative cases of SLE, being present in a majority of such cases. Patients who are ANA-positive and who have SS-A but not SS-B are very likely to have nephritis. Antibodies to SS-A are also associated with HLA loci DR3 and DR2 and with hereditary deficiency of C2. Anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B are found in virtually all children with neonatal lupus. Patients with SS-A may also have antibodies to cardiolipin, lupus anticoagulant, and clinical thromboses. This has been termed antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

CPT Code(s):

86235 (x 2)

Specimen Requirements:

Type: Serum

Container/Tube: Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube

Sample Volume: 1 mL

Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL (Repeat testing is not possible with this specimen volume.)

Storage: Store specimens at room temperature after collection.

Stability (collection to time of analysis/testing):

  • Ambient: 14 days
  • Refrigerated: 14 days
  • Frozen: 14 days
  • Freeze/Thaw Cycles: Stable (x 3)
Rejection Criteria:

  • Hemolysis
  • Icterus
  • Lipemia
  • Bacterial contamination

Use:

This test aids in the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome (especially with vasculitis) and lupus patients with Sjögren's overlap syndrome. It includes the semiquantitative result of IgG class antibodies.

Methodology:

Multiplex flow immunoassay

Reference Values:

0.0 - 0.9 AI

Performed:

Monday - Friday