Skip to main content
DNA Labs India

SS-B/La Antibody Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

SS-B/La Antibody Test

Short Name: SS-B/La Antibody

Also known as: Anti-SS-B/La Antibody Test, La Antibody Test, Sjögren Syndrome B Antibody

SS-B/La Antibody Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹1,697. Uses Enzyme Immunoassay on Serum samples. Results in Samples are collected on Tuesday and Friday by 9 am. Reports are delivered on the same day of sample collection.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Serology🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

Overview

The SS-B/La antibody test is done to support the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and neonatal lupus. It is particularly useful in evaluating patients with symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain, rash, and fatigue, especially when an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is positive. The presence of anti-SS-B/La antibodies helps healthcare providers differentiate between overlapping connective tissue disorders and improves diagnostic accuracy.

Test Code
3658
Price
₹1,697
Sample Type
Serum
Result Time
Samples are collected on Tuesday and Friday by 9 am. Reports are delivered on the same day of sample collection.
Fasting Required
Yes
Method
Enzyme Immunoassay
Step 1

Sample Collection

Overnight fasting is preferred before blood sample collection. However, the test can be performed without fasting if necessary. Inform your physician about any current medications, especially immunosuppressants. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up.

Method: Venipuncture

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A trained phlebotomist will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using sterile equipment. The procedure takes only a few minutes and is generally painless.

Step 3

Report Delivery

No special precautions are needed after the blood draw. You can resume normal activities immediately. Apply pressure at the puncture site to prevent bruising. If you experience persistent bleeding or discomfort, contact your healthcare provider.

Timeline: Samples are collected on Tuesday and Friday by 9 am. Reports are delivered on the same day of sample collection.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:Fasting is preferred but not mandatory. Please inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially immunosuppressants, as they may affect antibody levels.
2
During the Test:A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The procedure takes less than 5 minutes and is performed by an experienced phlebotomist.
3
After the Test:You can return to your normal activities immediately. The report will be shared with you online or via WhatsApp or email within the promised turnaround time.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

The SS-B/La antibody test is done to support the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and neonatal lupus. It is particularly useful in evaluating patients with symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain, rash, and fatigue, especially when an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is positive. The presence of anti-SS-B/La antibodies helps healthcare providers differentiate between overlapping connective tissue disorders and improves diagnostic accuracy.

How to Prepare

  • Overnight fasting is preferred.
  • Collect blood in an SST (gel separator) tube.
  • Transport the sample refrigerated (2–8°C) or frozen.
  • Ship the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible post-collection.
  • Label the tube with the patient’s name and unique identifier.

Doctor's Notes

"The SS-B/La antibody is a valuable serological marker for Sjögren's syndrome and is often positive alongside SS-A/Ro antibodies. Interpretation must be done in the context of clinical symptoms and ANA pattern."

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeSerum
Sample Volume2 mL (1 mL min.)
ContainerSST (Serum Separator Tube)
Collection MethodVenipuncture

Sample Stability

Room Temperature2 hours
Refrigerated1 week
Frozen4 weeks
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Haemolysed, lipaemic, or icteric samples
  • Incorrectly labeled or unlabeled samples
  • Sample not received within the stated stability period
  • Sample transported at incorrect temperature

Understanding Your Results

The SS-B/La antibody test is reported as negative or positive. A positive result indicates the presence of anti-SS-B/La antibodies, which strongly supports a diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome when associated with characteristic symptoms. It is also seen in a subset of SLE patients and in neonatal lupus.
Negative result: No significant level of anti-SS-B/La antibodies detected. Autoimmune disease is less likely, but clinical correlation is required.
Positive result: Elevated level of anti-SS-B/La antibodies. Associated with Sjögren's syndrome (about 60%), SLE (about 15%), and neonatal lupus.
Low-positive result: May be seen in early disease or during immunosuppressive therapy. Clinical and serological correlation is recommended.
Isolated positive SS-B/La without SS-A/Ro is less common; clinical significance should be assessed by a rheumatologist.
⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

If you have symptoms such as persistent dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain, skin rashes, or unexplained fatigue, or if your test result is positive, consult a rheumatologist or clinical immunologist for further evaluation and management.

Limitations

  • ⚠A negative SS-B/La antibody result does not exclude Sjögren's syndrome or SLE; anti-SS-A/Ro antibodies may be present alone.
  • ⚠Antibody titres can fluctuate with disease activity and treatment.
  • ⚠Positive results must be interpreted in the context of clinical features and other laboratory findings.
  • ⚠The test is not recommended as a sole screening test for autoimmune disease.

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Minimal risk of bruising
  • ●Slight pain or discomfort at injection site
  • ●Small risk of infection (extremely low with sterile technique)
  • ●Dizziness or lightheadedness (rare)

Interfering Factors

  • ●Haemolysed or lipaemic samples may interfere with enzyme immunoassay results.
  • ●Recent initiation of immunosuppressive therapy may reduce antibody levels leading to false negatives.
  • ●Improper storage or prolonged transit beyond the recommended stability can affect accuracy.
  • ●High levels of heterophile antibodies may cause assay interference.

Compare With Similar Tests

TestSS-B/La Antibody TestSS-A/Ro AntibodyAntinuclear Antibody (ANA)Rheumatoid Factor
ComparisonSS-B/La Antibody Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SS-B/La antibody test?
The SS-B/La antibody test is a blood test that measures antibodies directed against the La antigen, a nuclear protein. It is used to support the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus.
How much does the SS-B/La antibody test cost at DNA Labs India?
The SS-B/La antibody test costs Rs 1696.5 inclusive of home sample collection. The price is uniform across India with free sample collection service.
Is fasting required for the SS-B/La antibody test?
Overnight fasting is preferred for this test. However, the sample can be drawn without fasting in urgent situations. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
What is the turnaround time for the SS-B/La antibody test?
Samples collected by 9 am on Tuesday or Friday are processed the same day, and the report is available on the same day.
What does a positive SS-B/La antibody result mean?
A positive result indicates the presence of anti-SS-B/La antibodies. This is commonly associated with Sjögren's syndrome (found in ~60% of cases), systemic lupus erythematosus (~15%), and rarely neonatal lupus.
Can the SS-B/La antibody test be done at home?
Yes, DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for this test across major cities in India. The phlebotomist visits your location and collects the sample safely.
What sample is needed for the SS-B/La antibody test?
The test requires 2 mL (minimum 1 mL) of serum from a Serum Separator Tube (SST). The sample should be refrigerated or frozen during transportation.
Who should get the SS-B/La antibody test?
Individuals showing symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain, rash, fatigue, or those with a positive ANA test and suspicion of a connective tissue disorder should consider this test.
Is the SS-B/La antibody test the same as ANA?
No. ANA is a general screening test for autoimmune diseases, while SS-B/La antibody is a specific autoantibody test used for diagnostic confirmation.
What is the role of SS-B/La antibody in neonatal lupus?
Maternal anti-SS-B/La antibodies can cross the placenta and are associated with neonatal lupus, which may cause skin rash, liver abnormalities, or congenital heart block. Testing helps assess the risk.
What medications can affect the SS-B/La antibody test?
Immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., corticosteroids, azathioprine) can lower antibody levels and may cause false-negative results. Always inform your doctor about current medications.
How should the sample be stored after collection?
The blood sample should be allowed to clot, then separated and stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours, in a refrigerator (4–8°C) for 1 week, or frozen for up to 4 weeks.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

Related Tests

ANCA (Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) IFA Test

₹1,989

ANCA (Anti Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) Positive Reflex to ANCA-MPO & ANCA-PR3 Test

₹5,000

ANCA (Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) IFA in Dilutions Test

₹5,000

Anti-ss DNA Antibody Test

₹3,500

ANCA (Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) Extended Profile IgG Test

₹9,500

Anti-ds DNA Antibody Crithidia IFA in Dilutions Test

₹4,500
For Hospitals & Clinics

Reference Laboratory Services

We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.

LIMS Integration

Your Data Privacy

Your medical data is protected under Indian law.

✓ Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.

✓ DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.

Book Your Test

Enter your details and we'll connect you within 15 minutes.

🧬

Quick Connect

Enter your mobile number and we’ll connect you with the team.

+91

✅ Connecting you now...

🔒 Your number is used to respond to this request.