Test Type: Kit Based, Buccal Swab

Overview:

Sjögren’s syndrome is a late onset chronic autoimmune disease which affects the exocrine glands, mainly the salivary and lacrimal glands, resulting in insufficient secretion by those glands. It is characterized by a progressive lymphoid and plasma cell infiltration of the salivary and tear glands, accompanied by the production of autoantibodies leading to mucosal (dry mouth) and conjunctival (dry eyes) dryness. Sjögren’s may occur alone (primary Sjögren’s) or secondary to other autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. Primary Sjögren’s generally affects females (9/10 patients are female) and has an onset at around age 40. The reasons for the gender bias are unknown though hormones such as prolactin have been implicated.

Clinical Utility

Multiple genetic loci have been shown to contribute to the risk of developing Sjögren’s. Of these, the HLA class II DR and DQ are the most important. HLA-DQA1*05, DQB1*02, and DRB1*03 alleles are the risk factors for disease. Sjögren’s is diagnosed on the basis of screening questions, eye tests and salivary flow rate tests rather than on genetic testing. Genetic testing in Sjögren’s may be of value in providing insights into the mechanism of the disease, thereby potentially suggesting strategies for prevention and treatment.

Collection Details:

Collection Instructions:

1. Please fill out all sections of the requisition form provided in your kit.

2. Rinse your mouth with cold water before you begin collecting your sample and then swallow to remove excess saliva.

3. Open one swab at a time and collect the sample by rubbing the swab on the inside of your cheek about 20 times or for 15-20 seconds in a circular motion. Swab firmly so that the cheek is pushed outward.

4. Dry the swab by shaking it in the air for 10-20 seconds.

5. Place the dried swab back in its original sleeve.

6. Use the other cheek for the next swabs. Repeat the same process for the rest of the swabs.  Collect sample on all 3 swabs.

6. Place the swab sleeves containing the dry swabs and Requisition Form in the Kashi paper envelope included in the kit.

7. [Important] Sign and fill in your name and date of sample collection on the envelope.

 

 

8. Ship the test kit back to the laboratory using the shipping mailer provided.