SS-B/La Antibody – BC297
🔬 Autoimmune Disease Marker
₹1399
MRP ₹1500
Sample Time: 4:30 PM
Report: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC297
Report: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC297
About this Test:
The Anti-SS-B/La Antibody test is a specialized blood test performed in our laboratory to detect autoantibodies against the La ribonucleoprotein. These antibodies are significant markers for specific autoimmune disorders, most notably Sjögren's Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
✔ A key diagnostic marker for Sjögren's Syndrome, often found with SS-A/Ro.
✔ Also present in a subset of patients with Lupus (SLE).
✔ Important for risk assessment in pregnant women with autoimmune disease (risk of neonatal lupus).
✔ Typically ordered as part of an ENA panel from a diagnostic center after a positive ANA test.
The Anti-SS-B/La Antibody test is a specialized blood test performed in our laboratory to detect autoantibodies against the La ribonucleoprotein. These antibodies are significant markers for specific autoimmune disorders, most notably Sjögren's Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
✔ A key diagnostic marker for Sjögren's Syndrome, often found with SS-A/Ro.
✔ Also present in a subset of patients with Lupus (SLE).
✔ Important for risk assessment in pregnant women with autoimmune disease (risk of neonatal lupus).
✔ Typically ordered as part of an ENA panel from a diagnostic center after a positive ANA test.
Understanding Anti-SS-B/La Antibodies
Anti-SS-B/La autoantibodies are part of the ENA (Extractable Nuclear Antigens) family. They target the La protein, a component involved in RNA processing within the cell. The presence of these antibodies signifies an autoimmune response where the body is mistakenly attacking its own cellular components, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
Role in Diagnosis
This test is rarely ordered in isolation. It is almost always interpreted alongside the Anti-SS-A/Ro antibody test.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: Anti-SS-B/La is a highly characteristic marker for Sjögren's Syndrome, a condition causing severe dry eyes and dry mouth. It is found in about 40-70% of patients, usually in combination with Anti-SS-A/Ro.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): These antibodies are also found in 10-15% of patients with Lupus. Interestingly, some studies suggest that Lupus patients who are positive for Anti-SS-B/La may have a lower incidence of severe kidney disease (lupus nephritis).
- Neonatal Lupus: Like Anti-SS-A/Ro, Anti-SS-B/La antibodies can cross the placenta. A mother with these antibodies (even if she has no symptoms) has an increased risk of giving birth to a child with neonatal lupus, which can cause a temporary rash and, more seriously, a permanent heart condition (congenital heart block). Therefore, screening for both antibodies is a critical part of a high-risk pregnancy workup at any diagnostic center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What does SS-B/La stand for?
SS-B stands for Sjögren's Syndrome type B, and La is derived from the name of the first patient (La) in whom this antibody was identified. They refer to the same autoantibody.
SS-B stands for Sjögren's Syndrome type B, and La is derived from the name of the first patient (La) 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 an autoimmune disease, especially Sjögren's Syndrome (dry eyes, dry mouth) or Lupus (rash, joint pain). This test helps confirm the specific type of autoimmune condition.
Your doctor is likely investigating symptoms of an autoimmune disease, especially Sjögren's Syndrome (dry eyes, dry mouth) or Lupus (rash, joint pain). This test helps confirm the specific type of autoimmune condition.
Q3: What does a positive Anti-SS-B/La test mean?
A positive result strongly suggests an autoimmune disorder, most commonly Sjögren's Syndrome. It is often found along with a positive Anti-SS-A/Ro test.
A positive result strongly suggests an autoimmune disorder, most commonly Sjögren's Syndrome. It is often found along with a positive Anti-SS-A/Ro test.
Q4: How is this test different from the Anti-SS-A/Ro test?
They are two different autoantibodies that are often found together. Anti-SS-A/Ro is more common in both Sjögren's and Lupus. Anti-SS-B/La is more specific for Sjögren's. Your doctor will look at the pattern of both to make a diagnosis.
They are two different autoantibodies that are often found together. Anti-SS-A/Ro is more common in both Sjögren's and Lupus. Anti-SS-B/La is more specific for Sjögren's. Your doctor will look at the pattern of both to make a diagnosis.
Q5: Do I need to fast before this laboratory test?
No, fasting is not required for the Anti-SS-B/La antibody blood test.
No, fasting is not required for the Anti-SS-B/La antibody blood test.