Sjogren's is an autoimmune disorder that affects the body's moisture-producing glands. To confirm a diagnosis of Sjogren's, a physician will typically take a thorough medical history and perform a physical exam, as well as a number of tests.
Physical Exam:
During a physical exam, a doctor will typically look for signs of dryness or inflammation in the eyes, mouth, and skin. He or she may also check for enlarged lymph nodes, which can be a sign of Sjogren's.
Laboratory Tests:
A doctor will likely order a number of laboratory tests to help confirm a diagnosis of Sjogren's. These tests may include a complete blood count, an anti-nuclear antibody test, a rheumatoid factor test, and a serum immunoglobulin test.
Salivary Gland Tests:
In some cases, a doctor may order a salivary gland test to help confirm a diagnosis of Sjogren's. These tests may include a sialography, which is an X-ray of the salivary glands, or a labial salivary gland biopsy, which is a procedure that involves taking a small sample of cells from the salivary glands.
Imaging Tests:
Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, can also be used to help confirm a diagnosis of Sjogren's. These tests can help a doctor identify any abnormalities in the glands that may be causing the dryness or inflammation.
A diagnosis of Sjogren's is typically made when a patient has a combination of symptoms, a physical exam, laboratory tests, and imaging tests. It is important to note, however, that there is no single test that can definitively diagnose Sjogren's.