ADA Deaminase, Pleural Fluid

Diagnostic Use

Adenosine deaminase is used in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion. Adenosine deaminase has an important role in vivo in the differentiation of lymphoid cells (pre-dominantly T-lymphocytes) and is most abundant in lymphocytes.

Elevated levels of adenosine deaminase are also found in empyema, rheumatoid pleuritis, lymphoma and post-CABG pleural effusions.

Specificity is increased if there is also a lymphocyte to neutrophil ratio of >0.75

Department

Specialist Biochemistry

Delphic Registration Code

ADAF

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Collect into a sterile container with no anticoagulants. ADA is stable for up to 6 hours at room temperature.

Laboratory

Gross haemolysis reject

Synonyms

Adenosine deaminase

Turnaround Time

14 days

Test Code

5799

Specimen Type

• Fluid

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.2

Additional Specimen Information

Pre-testing requirements centrifuge fluid to remove cells or clots as soon as practicable.

Note degree of any blood-staining on form.

Aliquot Instructions

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.2

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Do not freeze

Interpretation

Adenosine deaminase values >30 U/L are suggestive of tuberculosis, but high values may also be seen in some carcinomas, particularly lymphomas (these tend to produce the highest results).

Reference Intervals

<30 U/L

Test Method

Roche Diazyme adenosine deaminase on Abbott CI8000.

This assay is NOT accredited for CSF, pericardial or ascites fluids.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$65.36 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

5799

Attach sticky label or write DO NOT FREEZE on specimen bag (contact lab for appropriate label).

Referred to Middlemore Hospital, Otahuhu, Auckland 1640

Contact Information

Enquiry Form

Contact Information

Enquiry Form