Individuals experiencing symptoms of dry eyes and a dry mouth often assume the two issues are not related or are part of a list of symptoms that can be associated with everything from chronic fatigue syndrome to a side effect of prescribed medication.
These symptoms are the most common indicators of the presence of Sjögren’s disease, also known as Sjögren’s syndrome. As an autoimmune disease, there are other symptoms that develop over time, with symptoms often coming and going, which further complicates a diagnosis.
Most people with Sjögren’s disease do not get a diagnosis until they have gone through three years of tests, trials, and treatments. This often includes multiple specialists, with each doctor addressing specific symptoms. However, thanks to new breakthroughs in testing options, the delay between identifying the dry eyes and dry mouth symptoms and the diagnosis is now much shorter.
Blood Testing
Trinity Biotech, an international company specialising in designing, developing, and manufacturing clinical diagnostic equipment, has introduced the Immo Sjögren’s Disease Diagnostic Test Panel.
This test panel uses blood samples to identify seven different options in traditional as well as novel biomarkers that are linked to the presence of Sjögren’s. The blood collection requires just five drops of blood obtained through a lancet finger prick procedure and collected on a specialised Whatman card.
These samples are then dried and tested, with results indicating the presence of the critical autoantibodies that are prevalent in those with Sjögren’s. Testing is done by the company, with the results available to the medical team on a short testing turnaround time.
Patient Benefits
In addition to other testing options, including biopsy results, Sjögren’s blood testing services mean a faster and more accurate diagnosis for patients. Early diagnosis provides a greater understanding of how to manage the condition. It helps to prevent excessive testing and medical treatment for other diseases and conditions that mimic the symptoms of Sjögren’s disease.
