From the Guidelines
To rule out Sjögren's syndrome, laboratory tests such as SSA, SSB, ANA, RF, SP1, CA6, and PSP should be ordered, as they are the most relevant diagnostic tests for this condition. When evaluating a patient for Sjögren's syndrome, it is essential to consider the presence of clinically significant dry eye and dry mouth symptoms, which warrant a high degree of suspicion for this condition 1. The diagnostic workup for Sjögren's syndrome should include serological examinations for anti-Sjögren syndrome A antibody (SSA or anti-Ro), anti-Sjögren syndrome B antibody (SSB or anti-La), rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody, as these are the primary markers for this condition 1. Additionally, point-of-care tests that include traditional serology as well as additional biomarkers such as salivary protein 1 (SP1), carbonic anhydrase 6 (CA6), and parotid secretory protein (PSP) can be useful in diagnosing Sjögren's syndrome 1. Some key points to consider when ordering laboratory tests for Sjögren's syndrome include:
- SSA and SSB antibodies are specific markers for Sjögren's syndrome
- ANA is often positive in patients with Sjögren's syndrome
- RF is frequently elevated in patients with Sjögren's syndrome
- SP1, CA6, and PSP are additional biomarkers that may be useful in diagnosing Sjögren's syndrome It is crucial to note that Sjögren's syndrome can be primary or secondary to other autoimmune diseases, and comprehensive testing is necessary for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management 1.
From the Research
Laboratory Tests for Sjögren's Syndrome
To rule out Sjögren's syndrome, several laboratory tests can be used, including:
- Autoantibody tests:
- Novel biomarkers:
- Other tests:
Diagnostic Criteria
The American College of Rheumatology advocates for diagnostic criteria that include the presence of signs/symptoms suggestive of Sjögren's syndrome along with at least two objective factors, such as traditional biomarker positivity, salivary gland biopsy findings, and/or presence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca 2.
Commercially Available Diagnostic Panels
The Sjö test is a commercially available diagnostic panel that incorporates testing for traditional Sjögren's syndrome biomarkers, as well as three novel, proprietary early biomarkers, which provide greater sensitivity and specificity than traditional biomarker testing alone 2.