Description
Why It’s Done:
• To aid in the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder affecting moisture-producing glands.
• To assist in diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and monitor disease activity.
• To evaluate unexplained symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, joint pain, or rash.
• To assess the risk of certain complications, such as neonatal lupus in pregnant women with positive antibodies.
Preparation:
• Fasting: Not required.
• Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, as some immunosuppressants may affect results.
• Special Instructions:
o No specific preparation is needed, but disclose any known autoimmune conditions or symptoms to your doctor.
o It is helpful to mention if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, as positive results may affect prenatal monitoring.
