SSA or Ro is composed of protein antigens of 52 kD and 60 kD combined with cytoplasmic RNA species. SSA antibodies occur in patients with several different connective tissue diseases including Sjogren syndrome. Evaluating patients with signs and symptoms of a connective tissue disease in whom the test for antinuclear antibodies is positive, especially those with signs and symptoms consistent with Sjogren syndrome or lupus erythematosus. A positive result for SSA (Ro) or SSB (La) antibodies is consistent with connective tissue disease, including Sjogren syndrome, lupus erythematosus (LE), or rheumatoid arthritis.