SS-A/Ro Antibody – BC296
🔬 Autoimmune Disease Marker
₹1399
MRP ₹1500
Sample Time: 4:30 PM
Report: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC296
Report: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC296
About this Test:
The Anti-SS-A/Ro Antibody test is a specialized blood test performed at our laboratory to detect autoantibodies against Ro ribonucleoproteins. These antibodies are commonly found in individuals with autoimmune disorders, particularly Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
✔ A primary diagnostic marker for Sjogren Syndrome (found in 70-90% of patients).
✔ Also found in a significant subset of Lupus (SLE) patients (20-40%).
✔ Crucial for pregnant women with autoimmune disease, as these antibodies can cross the placenta and cause neonatal lupus.
✔ Part of the ENA panel, often ordered by doctors after a positive ANA test from a diagnostic center.
The Anti-SS-A/Ro Antibody test is a specialized blood test performed at our laboratory to detect autoantibodies against Ro ribonucleoproteins. These antibodies are commonly found in individuals with autoimmune disorders, particularly Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
✔ A primary diagnostic marker for Sjogren Syndrome (found in 70-90% of patients).
✔ Also found in a significant subset of Lupus (SLE) patients (20-40%).
✔ Crucial for pregnant women with autoimmune disease, as these antibodies can cross the placenta and cause neonatal lupus.
✔ Part of the ENA panel, often ordered by doctors after a positive ANA test from a diagnostic center.
Understanding Anti-SS-A/Ro Antibodies
Anti-SS-A/Ro autoantibodies target proteins (Ro52 and Ro60) that are part of a complex in the cell's nucleus and cytoplasm. Their presence is a strong signal that the immune system is mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation. A specialized laboratory like ours is required to accurately detect these specific antibodies.
Role in Diagnosis
- Sjogren Syndrome: This is an autoimmune disease that primarily attacks the moisture-producing glands, leading to the classic symptoms of severe dry eyes and dry mouth. The presence of Anti-SS-A/Ro (often along with Anti-SS-B/La) is a key component of the diagnostic criteria for Segments.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): While not as specific as Anti-Sm, Anti-SS-A/Ro antibodies are found in many Lupus patients. They are particularly associated with a form of skin lupus called subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) and with ANA-negative lupus, where the initial screening test is negative, but these specific antibodies are present.
- Neonatal Lupus: This is a critical application. Anti-SS-A/Ro antibodies have the ability to cross the placenta. If a mother has these antibodies (even if she is asymptomatic), they can enter the baby's circulation and cause a temporary rash or, more seriously, a permanent heart rhythm problem called congenital heart block. This test is essential for risk assessment in pregnant women with known or suspected autoimmune disease. Any high-risk pregnancy should be monitored with the help of a quality diagnostic center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What does SS-A/Ro stand for?
"SS-A" stands for Sjogren's Syndrome type A, and Ro is derived from the name of the first patient (Robert) in whom this antibody was identified. They refer to the same autoantibody.
"SS-A" stands for Sjogren's Syndrome type A, and Ro is derived from the name of the first patient (Robert) in whom this antibody was identified. They refer to the same autoantibody.
Q2: Why did my doctor order this test?
Your doctor is likely investigating symptoms of a systemic autoimmune disease, such as severe dry eyes/mouth (Sjogren), or joint pain, rash, and fatigue (Lupus). This test, performed at a diagnostic center, helps confirm or differentiate these conditions.
Your doctor is likely investigating symptoms of a systemic autoimmune disease, such as severe dry eyes/mouth (Sjogren), or joint pain, rash, and fatigue (Lupus). This test, performed at a diagnostic center, helps confirm or differentiate these conditions.
Q3: What does a positive Anti-SS-A/Ro test mean?
A positive result strongly suggests the presence of an autoimmune disorder, most commonly Sjogren Syndrome or Lupus. Your doctor will interpret this result in the context of your specific symptoms and other lab tests.
A positive result strongly suggests the presence of an autoimmune disorder, most commonly Sjogren Syndrome or Lupus. Your doctor will interpret this result in the context of your specific symptoms and other lab tests.
Q4: Why is this test important during pregnancy?
These specific antibodies can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, potentially causing a rare but serious condition called neonatal lupus, which can affect the baby's heart. Identifying these antibodies helps your doctor manage this risk.
These specific antibodies can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, potentially causing a rare but serious condition called neonatal lupus, which can affect the baby's heart. Identifying these antibodies helps your doctor manage this risk.
Q5: Do I need to fast for this test?
No, fasting is not required for the Anti-SS-A/Ro antibody blood test.
No, fasting is not required for the Anti-SS-A/Ro antibody blood test.