Positive anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibodies are seen in secondary Sjogren's syndrome, which primarily causes dry eyes and dry mouth. Please discuss the results with your doctor, Jyothsna.
September 20
A weak positive Anti-Ro/SSA result means that these specific antibodies were detected in the blood, but at lower levels. Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies are found in about 25–30% of people with lupus, so not everyone with SLE will test positive for them.
A weak positive result alone isn't enough to confirm or rule out a lupus Show Full Answer
A weak positive Anti-Ro/SSA result means that these specific antibodies were detected in the blood, but at lower levels. Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies are found in about 25–30% of people with lupus, so not everyone with SLE will test positive for them.
A weak positive result alone isn't enough to confirm or rule out a lupus diagnosis. It needs to be looked at alongside:
- Other antibody tests (like ANA, anti-dsDNA, or anti-Sm)
- Physical symptoms
- Medical history
- Other lab results like complement levels (C3/C4) or a complete blood count Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies are also worth paying attention to in a couple of specific situations:
- Sun sensitivity: These antibodies are often linked to skin rashes triggered by sun exposure, which is common in lupus
- Pregnancy: If someone with lupus tests positive for Anti-Ro/SSA, there can be implications for the baby, so it's important to discuss this with a doctor
A rheumatologist is best placed to interpret what a weak positive means for a specific situation, taking into account the full picture of symptoms and test results. It's definitely worth asking them to walk through what this result means for the overall diagnosis.
September 19
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