Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Body Fluids Test

Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Test Overview

Adenosine deaminase body fluid lab test also known as ADA fluid test detects the levels of adenosine deaminase enzyme in body fluids such as pleural fluid and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The adenosine deaminase enzyme plays an important role in purine metabolism, which is one of the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Elevated levels of ADA enzyme in CSF and pleural fluid correspond to a diagnosis of tuberculosis and pleural effusions respectively.

A rise in ADA levels is also noticed in cases of fungal and bacterial infections in the pleural space. Given the body fluid ADA test is not performed to test for any specific condition, the results need to be checked in context of a patient’s clinical history and symptoms.

When is Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Body Fluid Test Prescribed?

Here are some of the health conditions most commonly diagnosed using the ADA fluid test.

• Meningitis: If a patient is exhibiting symptoms of tuberculous or fungal meningitis doctors can prescribe the fluid ADA test of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to help with diagnosing meningitis.
• Tuberculosis (TB): Tuberculosis is the condition that’s most commonly diagnosed using an ADA fluid lab test. This test is recommended especially when tuberculosis starts affecting the nervous system, which can either be due to tuberculous meningitis or pleural tuberculosis.
• Pleural Effusions: If doctors suspect you may have pleural effusions, they can test for ADA levels in your pleural fluid. The results of this test can suggest if you have tuberculosis, pleural effusions, or other infections.

Components of ADA Test

The ADA fluid lab test measures the amount of adenosine deaminase enzyme in body fluids. The normal levels of ADA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is 0 to 10 units/L of blood and for pleural fluid it is less than 40 units/L of blood. These are reference ranges and can vary among different laboratories.

Procedure and Prerequisite

Based on the body fluid that is being tested, the procedure to extract it can differ. For CSF, the sample is extracted using a procedure known as a spinal tap. Similarly for pleural fluid, a procedure known as thoracentesis is used to extract the sample. There are no prerequisites for this test.