Adenosine Deaminase, Pleural Fluid
Use
Adenosine deaminase in pleural fluid is used primarily to evaluate for tuberculous pleuritis and may help discriminate between tuberculous and non-tuberculous etiologies of pleural effusion. Elevated ADA levels are seen in tuberculosis but may also be elevated in conditions such as lymphoma, metastatic malignancies, mesothelioma, pulmonary embolism, granulomatous inflammation, viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and autoimmune diseases (e.g., SLE, rheumatoid arthritis). ADA’s utility is greatest in ruling out tuberculosis in patients with compatible clinical presentation and high suspicion rather than confirming diagnosis alone. Shared interpretation alongside other clinical data and test results is important.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
This assay uses an in-house ADA kit not cleared or approved by the FDA, and analytical performance characteristics are established by Quest Diagnostics. Therefore, diagnostic conclusions should be confirmed by other medically established methods. False positives may occur in non‑tuberculous inflammatory or malignant conditions.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Body Fluid
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
sterile plastic screw‑cap container
Collection Instructions
Collect pleural fluid, centrifuge to obtain supernatant, transfer 0.5 mL of supernatant; submit frozen.
Causes for Rejection
Whole blood; bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL); turbid specimens
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 6 months |