[Diagnosis of the Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome in rheumatology. II--Test strategy].

The diagnostic evaluation of the sicca complex in rheumatology depends, on the one hand, upon performing tests and, on the other hand, upon the specific clinical presentations which lead to these tests. The frequency with which the clinical problem is encountered should be taken into account as well as the probability of whether or not the patient does indeed have the sicca complex, and the necessity of making a precise diagnosis. A labial biopsy should be performed when it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Schirmer's test is useful to evaluate the ocular component of the sicca complex, which is the only component requiring therapy. In other cases, one examination can follow another in sequence such as salivary nucleotide scanning followed by biopsy and histological examination.