SS-A (Ro) Test

Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome is a disorder of the immune system having the symptoms of dry eyes and a dry mouth. Sjogren syndrome can be established by getting blood tests done SS-A-Ro. Anti-Ro antibodies, also known as anti-SSA antibodies. The reference range of anti-Ro antibodies is negative. A positive anti-Ro result is revealed and known by a speckled appearance under immune fluorescence with ultraviolet light. Anti-Ro levels may be elevated in the following conditions: Sjögren syndrome: 60%-70% of cases Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): 25% of cases Both anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB are usually absent in secondary Sjögren syndrome. When anti-Ro/SSA levels are elevated in SLE, it is often in antinuclear antibody (ANA)–negative lupus. Anti-Ro/SSA plus anti-La/SSB is associated with the following factors: Age older than 50 years HLA-DR3 Lower likelihood of anti-DNA antibodies

There are no special collection conditions or timings. Draw on a standard red-top tube. Hemolysis and lipemia should not affect the results but should be avoided, if possible.There are no special storage conditions.It is usually not part of a laboratory panel.

Anti-Ro, along with other autoantibody levels, should be obtained when a rheumatologic/connective tissue disorder is suspected, specifically if the following conditions manifest or are suspected:
Photosensitivity or subacute cutaneous lupus
Primary Sjögren syndrome vasculitis
Cutaneous vasculitis/palpable purpura
Interstitial lung disease
Neonatal lupus
Congenital heart block
ANA-negative SLE
Nephritis, vasculitis, lymphadenopathy, leukopenia
Homozygous C2 and C4 deficiency with SLE-like disease
Rheumatoid factor positivity and severe systemic symptoms
SLE with interstitial pneumonitis

Anti-Ro antibodies are associated with Sjögren syndrome. Sjögren syndrome is often characterized by xerostomia and xerophthalmia-type symptoms. A diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome requires a minimum of 3 of the 4 following criteria: Positive Schirmer test result or Rose Bengal score Histological grading of the minor salivary glands with a focus score of greater than 1 Salivary flow of less than 1.5 mL in 15 minutes Anti-Ro/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB antibodies At this time, no conclusive evidence indicates that any single laboratory technique provides superior sensitivities or specificities. Blood is extracted from the veins by a trained nurse. The location of blood extraction is sterilised and blood is taken out by piercing a needle in the veins. Once the blood sample is taken the place should be gently bandaged.