Adenosine Deaminase (ADA)
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About Adenosine Deaminase (ADA)
Adenosine deaminase (ADA) test is used to measure the levels of adenosine deaminase in pleural fluid, which is the fluid surrounding the lungs in the pleural cavity. This test aids in detecting tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. ADA is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system by activating white blood cells (WBCs), which are involved in the immune response to infection.
Getting an ADA test done is recommended to detect or rule out a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in pleural fluid
Symptoms of TB
The common symptoms of TB include:
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Cough for more than 3 weeks
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Coughing of blood or sputum
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Fever
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Weight loss
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Fatigue
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Night sweats
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Headache
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Joint pains
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Chills
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Loss of appetite
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Difficulty breathing
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Chest pain
What is ACTH Stimulation Test used for?
Adenosine deaminase (ADA) test is recommended for individuals who are at high risk of developing tuberculosis. The following factors can increase the risk:
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Smoking
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HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS)
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Drugs and alcohol consumption
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Diabetes mellitus
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Severe kidney disease
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Low body weight
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History of organ transplantation
Preparation for the test
No special preparation is required for this test.
Interpretation of test results
The ADA normal range is 0 – 40 units per liter (U/L)
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
- If the level of ADA is significantly high in the pleural fluid of an individual showing signs and symptoms indicating tuberculosis, it is highly probable that the person has an M. tuberculosis infection in their pleurae. This holds particularly true when tuberculosis is widespread in the area where the person resides.
- In regions with a low prevalence of tuberculosis, it is possible for a person to have an elevated ADA result due to tuberculosis or other factors such as cancer (especially lymphomas), pulmonary embolus, sarcoidosis, or lupus. The likelihood of these alternative diagnoses increases when the ADA result is mildly or moderately elevated.
- It is highly unlikely for an individual with a low ADA level to have tuberculosis in their pleurae. However, this does not completely rule out the possibility of the infection being present in other parts of their body
FAQs
The ADA test involves collecting pleural fluid from the chest's pleural cavity. To perform this procedure, a needle is carefully inserted between the pleural membranes that surround the chest and lungs, allowing the aspirate to be drained through a tube. The collected fluid is then sent to the laboratory for testing
Without testing the pleural fluid, it is not possible for a healthcare practitioner to diagnose tuberculosis in the pleural space. If the infection is present in the lungs, sputum samples may be collected. However, if there is a suspicion of meningitis, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) would be subjected to testing
ADA test results are usually available within 1-7 working days after the sample collection. This duration may vary depending upon the diagnostic clinic
The ADA test is mainly conducted when there is a suspicion of tuberculosis in the pleurae. It is carried out when a healthcare practitioner deems it necessary and timely to assist in the diagnosis or exclusion of tuberculosis
Consult a healthcare professional in order to undergo further assessment, which may involve additional examinations and a thorough evaluation of potential risks
Adenosine Deaminase (ADA)
