Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Test

Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Test Overview

The adenosine deaminase test is done by measuring the amount of ADA present in the pleural fluid to support the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) caused by the bacteria myobacterium tuberculosis. ADA, the enzyme produced by the cells present in the body plays a very important role in our body, which is the activation of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells that helps protect against infection). 

Infections, when they are caused by tuberculosis bacteria promotes increased amounts of ADA production in the pleural fluids of lungs. So, the ADA test helps to support the diagnosis of TB to take action at the right time and it also helps monitor TB. 

When is Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Test prescribed?

The ADA test is prescribed by a healthcare professional if you’re suffering from pleural fluid accumulation in the chest cavity and are suffering from symptoms of tuberculosis. Healthcare professionals may also prescribe the test for people:

• Who have very low immune system
• Pregnant women
• Who are migrating from a place where there is a heavy occurrence of tuberculosis
• Healthcare workers operating an institutions where tuberculosis patients are treated
• Children with a positive tuberculosis screening test

Components of ADA Test

The normal range of an ADA blood test in both males and females of all ages is 40 units/L. 

Test results which shows a higher amount of ADA than the normal range could be indicative of the following conditions:

• Lymphadenitis of tuberculosis
• Meningitis of tuberculosis
• Pleural tuberculosis
• Pneumonia associated with tuberculosis
• Synovitis caused by rheumatoid arthritis
• Tubercular ascites

Procedure and Prerequisite

The doctor collects a sample of pleural fluid using a procedure known as thoracentesis. 

There are no such prerequisites required for the ADA adenosine deaminase test.