Adenosine Deaminase (ADA):
A protein known as Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) is produced by cells throughout the body and is mainly linked with the activation of white blood cells. Conditions that trigger the immune system, such as an infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB), may cause increased amounts of ADA to be produced in the areas where the bacteria are present.
The Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) (Serum) Lab Test is a clinical test that checks measures the amount of ADA protein present in your blood. Normal levels are not concerning, while high levels indicate Tuberculosis, a respiratory disease. The timely detection allows for early control of any bacteria that may cause mild or serious infections.
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
This test measures the amount of adenosine deaminase present in pleural fluid and peritoneal fluid to help diagnose a tuberculosis infection.
If adenosine deaminase (ADA) is markedly elevated in pleural fluid in a person with signs and symptoms that suggest tuberculosis, then the person likely tested has an M. tuberculosis infection in their pleurae.
A person with a low ADA level is unlikely to have tuberculosis in their pleurae. This does not rule out having the infection in other parts of their bodies.
Q1. How is the test performed?
This test is performed on body fluid obtained from the pleural cavity or peritoneal cavity. The sample is taken by a healthcare practitioner under supervision.
Q2. What is pleural fluid?
Pleural fluid is the fluid present between the membranes that cover the chest cavity and the outside of each lung. It serves as the lubricant for the movement of the lungs during breathing.
Q3. What is peritoneal fluid?
Peritoneal fluid is a liquid that acts as a lubricant in the abdominal cavity.
WHY GET TESTED?
- To help detect mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
- When symptoms of tuberculosis are obvious e.g. chest pain, coughing, difficulty in breathing.
- When symptoms of tuberculosis are followed by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.
Tuberculosis can spread into the lungs and pleurae, causing symptoms such as chest pain, chronic cough, and shortness of breath. Since these symptoms may also be seen with a variety of other conditions, it is important to determine the cause as rapidly as possible to properly treat the affected person.