ADA Fluid Test (Adenosine Deaminase)

ADA Fluid Test: quick answers

ADA Fluid Test full form

Adenosine Deaminase

ADA Fluid Test price

₹1,299

Normal range (adults)

Pleural fluid, commonly used cut-off for TB pleurisy: Above about 40 U/L

Done for

Fluid around the lung (pleural effusion) of unclear cause; Fluid in the abdomen when tuberculosis is a possibility; Fluid around the heart or in the brain and spinal fluid with suspected TB

Fasting

Not required

Report

24–48 hours

What is the ADA Fluid Test?

ADA is an enzyme released by activated immune cells. The test measures it in a body fluid such as pleural (lung), ascitic (abdominal), pericardial or cerebrospinal fluid. A raised level is a pointer towards tuberculosis in that fluid, and it is used because TB germs are often hard to find in these samples.

ADA Fluid Test normal range

The cut-off depends on the fluid, the method and the lab, and no single number applies to every fluid. The one above is the figure most often used for pleural fluid in TB-endemic countries such as India. Use the range printed on your own report.

Ranges differ between laboratories and methods. The reference range printed on your own report is the one to read your result against.

What your ADA Fluid Test result means

High

Supports tuberculosis as the cause of the fluid, especially in a lymphocyte-rich pleural fluid. Other conditions, such as empyema, some lymphomas and rheumatoid effusions, can also raise it, so it is never read alone.

Normal or low

Makes TB less likely in that fluid, particularly in pleural fluid, but does not fully rule it out. Your doctor may still test further if the story fits.

One result is not a diagnosis. A doctor reads it with your symptoms, history, medicines and other tests.

Why is the ADA Fluid Test done?

• Fluid around the lung (pleural effusion) of unclear cause
• Fluid in the abdomen when tuberculosis is a possibility
• Fluid around the heart or in the brain and spinal fluid with suspected TB
• Supporting a TB diagnosis when smear and culture are negative or slow

What does the ADA Fluid Test (Adenosine Deaminase) measure?

1 parameter. Expand a group to see the measurements, units and available method details.

The reference interval printed on your actual laboratory report governs interpretation. Intervals can vary by laboratory, method, age, sex and pregnancy. Methods can also vary by processing laboratory.

ADA Fluid Test: sample & preparation

Sample: Confirm with the laboratory. Fasting: Not required.

• The referring clinician should collect the fluid by the appropriate sterile procedure and send it promptly to the laboratory in a sterile container, noting the site of collection.

Frequently asked questions