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HelpTest Code SSA SS-A/Ro Antibodies, IgG, Serum
Reporting Name
SS-A/Ro Ab, IgG, SUseful For
Evaluating patients at-risk for connective tissue disease with or without interstitial lung disease
Detection of both anti-SS-A 52 (Ro52) and SS-A 60 (Ro60) antibodies in serum
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Connective Tissue Disease Cascade.
Method Name
Multiplex Flow Immunoassay
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Information: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.35 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 21 days | |
| Frozen | 21 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
<1.0 U (negative)
≥1.0 U (positive)
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
CPT Code Information
86235
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SSA | SS-A/Ro Ab, IgG, S | 33610-7 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SSA | SS-A/Ro Ab, IgG, S | 33610-7 |
Clinical Information
SS-A/Ro is an extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) composed of protein antigens of 52 kDa (Ro52) and 60 kDa (Ro60) combined with cytoplasmic RNA species.(1,2) SS-A/Ro (Ro52 and/or Ro60) antibodies occur in patients with several different connective tissue diseases including Sjogren syndrome (SjS), an autoimmune disease that involves primarily the salivary and lachrymal glands (up to 90% of cases); systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (40%-60% of cases); and rheumatoid arthritis. SS-A/Ro antibodies are associated with childhood SLE, neonatal SLE, and with congenital heart block in infants born to mothers with LE.(1-4) SjS patients with antibodies to both Ro52 and Ro60 are characterized by higher prevalence of markers of B-cell hyperactivity and glandular inflammation compared to those with single positivity.(2) Although these antibodies are often found together, both autoantibodies have important and distinct diagnostic and predictive attributes and should be distinguished when SS-A/Ro antibody is positive or tested singly.(1)
SS-A/Ro is 1 of 4 autoantigens commonly referred to as ENAs. The other ENAs are SS-B/La, RNP (ribonucleoprotein), and Sm (Smith). Each ENA is composed of one or more proteins associated with small nuclear or cytoplasmic RNA species (snRNP) ranging in size from 80 to 350 nucleotides. Antibodies to ENA are common in patients with connective tissue diseases (systemic rheumatic diseases) including SLE, mixed connective tissue disease, SjS, scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), and polymyositis/dermatomyositis.
For more information see Connective Tissue Disease Cascade.