Share this page
Print this article
Was this page helpful?

Sjögren's Syndrome

Overview | Tests | Treatment | Related Pages

Tests

Tests for Sjögren’s syndrome may include:

  • Positive Schirmer’s test. In this test, a piece of filter paper is hooked over the lower eyelid and left there for 5 minutes. It is used to assess dryness of the eyes, though is not specific for Sjogren’s.  Rose Bengal staining of the eyes can be used to look for scarring affecting the conjunctiva and cornea.
  • Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (positive in most cases) 
  • Rheumatoid factor (RF) (often positive)
  • Antibodies specific to Sjögren’s syndrome (SS): anti-SS-A and SS-B; SS-A is also called Ro, while SS-B is also called La. These tests form part of the ENA (extractable nuclear antigen) panel.
  • Salivary gland antibodies
  • Full blood count - may show reductions in cell counts, especially white blood cells
  • ESR - often raised

Other tests:

  • In uncertain cases, salivary gland biopsy can be performed

« Prev | Next »