ADA - Adenosine Deaminase By Biochemical Method - Serum

The ADA test measures the level of adenosine deaminase enzyme activity in your blood.

• To rule out tuberculosis and other inflammatory conditions • To assess the effectiveness of tuberculosis treatment • To diagnose other inflammatory diseases • To evaluate the response to therapy for non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections

Your doctor might recommend the ADA test if you have • symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis, such as a persistent cough, weight loss, fever, or night sweats, • risk factors for tuberculosis, such as close contact with someone who has the disease, or • other symptoms or conditions that may be related to inflammation.

Higher levels may indicate tuberculosis or other inflammatory conditions, but abnormal results do not necessarily mean you have these conditions.

During the test, a small amount of blood will be drawn from your vein. The blood sample will be sent to the laboratory for analysis by a Biochemical Method.

• Follow any instructions given by your doctor. Inform them if you have any specific requirements.

• You may be asked to provide your clinical history and information about any medications you are taking.

• Tuberculosis testing, such as a sputum culture • Additional blood tests to assess inflammation levels or determine the cause of symptoms

Adenosine Deaminase Serum test

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. Common symptoms include persistent cough, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Early detection and treatment are crucial for effective management of tuberculosis.

The ADA test is a biochemical assay that measures the levels of the adenosine deaminase enzyme in different body fluids, including serum, pleural fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid. It aids in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as tuberculosis and autoimmune hepatitis.

The ADA test detects the levels of the adenosine deaminase enzyme in body fluids. It is particularly useful in identifying infections like tuberculosis and monitoring inflammatory conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis.

ADA test reports indicate the level of ADA enzyme activity in the tested fluid. Elevated levels can suggest conditions like tuberculosis (especially in pleural fluid) or autoimmune hepatitis (in serum). Specifically, ADA activity > 43 U/mL in pleural fluid suggests pleural tuberculosis, while serum ADA levels > 20 U/L can indicate autoimmune hepatitis.

A positive ADA test report, indicating high ADA levels, suggests the presence of a condition that triggers an immune response, such as tuberculosis or autoimmune hepatitis. However, it should be interpreted alongside other diagnostic tests and clinical findings for a definitive diagnosis.

The ADA test is primarily used to aid in the diagnosis of tuberculosis, particularly pleural TB, and to monitor the activity of autoimmune hepatitis. It can also help differentiate between TB and other pulmonary infections when used in conjunction with other tests.

The normal range for ADA activity may vary slightly depending on the source, but generally, the normal serum range is around 40 units/L. In pleural fluid, the normal range is below 43 U/mL, with levels above this indicating possible TB.

In tuberculosis, ADA levels are elevated as part of the immune response to the infection. High ADA activity in pleural fluid is a strong indicator of pleural TB, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity.

High ADA levels indicate an active immune response, which could be due to several conditions. Most commonly, high ADA in pleural fluid suggests TB infection, while elevated ADA in serum correlates with the histological activity of autoimmune hepatitis.

The ADA test can be performed at hospitals, clinical laboratories, or healthcare facilities equipped with the necessary equipment and expertise. It is often part of a comprehensive diagnostic workup for suspected TB or autoimmune hepatitis.

The benefits of the adenosine deaminase test include rapid diagnosis (providing quick results to guide treatment decisions), high sensitivity and specificity (especially in diagnosing pleural TB), and non-invasive monitoring (offering a less invasive alternative to liver biopsy for autoimmune hepatitis).

The risks associated with the ADA test are primarily related to the method of sample collection. Thoracentesis, for example, may cause pain at the injection site, fever, breathing difficulties, and chest pain.

The ADA test is primarily used to diagnose tuberculosis (especially pleural TB) and monitor autoimmune hepatitis by correlating with histological activity. It can also suggest other conditions like cancer, pulmonary embolus, sarcoidosis, and lupus, although these are not its primary uses.

Yes, certain medications, such as blood thinners, can interfere with the adenosine deaminase test. It is crucial to inform your physician about any medications you are taking before undergoing the test.

No, fasting is not required before the ADA test. However, it is advisable to inform your physician about any medications you are currently taking, as some chemicals, like blood thinners, may interfere with the test.

Several factors can affect ADA test results, including medications (certain drugs can interfere with the test) and other conditions (elevations in ADA can be seen in various diseases other than TB or AIH, such as cancer or autoimmune diseases).

ADA test reports are typically available after 6 hours, as it is a biochemical test that doesn't require the extended incubation times needed for cultures.