One of the advantages to using the HEp-2000® substrate is the ability to identify the presence of anti-SSA/Ro antibodies during the ANA screen. In the mixed homogeneous and SSA/Ro pattern, the interphase cells typically have smooth staining of the entire nucleus (homogeneous) with metaphase mitotic cells having smooth staining of the chromosome region.
In cases of mixed homogeneous and SSA/Ro, follow-up testing for anti-dsDNA and anti-ENA antibodies is necessary. When mixed patterns are titered, the endpoint for each pattern is reported.
This pattern is reported as "ANA positive, Homogeneous and SSA/Ro pattern, anti-SSA/Ro antibodies present; titering is necessary."
