Salivary gland antibodies
| Category | Immunology |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Antibodies to the epithelial cells of the salivary duct occur in 60 % of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome. Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva. Sjögren's syndrome can exist as a disorder in its own right (primary Sjögren's syndrome) or it may develop years after the onset of an associated rheumatic disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, scleroderma, primary biliary cirrhosis, etc. (secondary Sjögren's syndrome). |
| Clinical Indications |
Differential diagnosis of primary or secondary Sjögren’s syndrome (in conjunction with rheumatoid factor, anti-centromere and antinuclear antibody assay (ANA-patterns SSA/Ro and SSB/La specifically). |
| Reference range | Negative |
| Sample & container required | RST (rust top) |
| Sample volume | 5-10 mL (1 mL serum) |
| Turnaround time | 28 days |
| Notes | Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Protein Reference Unit, Sheffield. |