Test/Profile Name
Adenosine Deaminase (ADA)Test/Profile Code
Adenosine Deaminase (ADA)Clinical Usefullness
To help detect or rule out a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in pleural fluid in order to assist in the diagnosis of tuberculosis and rarely to detect the infection in other body fluids such as peritoneal fluid or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Synonyms (Also knowns as)
ADA
Adenosine Deaminase
Specimen Type and Minimal Volume
Pleural Fluid , Serum, CSF : 0.3mLForms
Pleural Fluid , Serum, CSF : 0.3mLTest Equipment
Biosystem BTS - 330Test Method
Adenosine Glutamate dehydrogenaseReference Range
Peural Fluid : 0 – 33 U/L
Include Test
N/AReporting Time (Turn Around Time; TAT)
6 hrsClinical Information
Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a protein that is produced by cells throughout the body and is associated with the activation of lymphocytes. Conditions that trigger the immune system, such as an infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, may cause increased amounts of ADA to be produced in the areas where the bacteria are present. This test measures the amount of adenosine deaminase present in pleural fluid in order to help diagnose a tuberculosis infection of the pleurae.
Related Disease/Condition
TuberculosisCancer (particularly lymphomas)
Pulmonary embolus
Sarcoidosis
Related Test
Fluid for AFB