Pre test Information : No Special Preparation Needed

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a protein produced by cells throughout the body that is linked to the activation of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response to infections. Conditions that stimulate the immune system, such as infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB), may result in increased ADA production in areas where the bacteria are present. This test measures the amount of adenosine deaminase in pleural fluid to aid in the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis.

Pleurae are membranes that line the inside of the chest cavity and the outside of each lung. During inhalation and exhalation, small amounts of pleural fluid are continuously produced to lubricate the movement of the lungs against these membranes and the membranes against each other. Pleurisy or pleuritis can be caused by a variety of conditions and diseases, including infection, and can result in excessive pleural fluid accumulation (pleural effusion).

Tuberculosis can spread to the lungs and pleurae, causing symptoms such as chest pain, persistent coughing, and shortness of breath. Because these symptoms can be seen in a variety of other conditions, it is critical to identify the cause as soon as possible in order to properly treat the affected person. Mycobacteria detection in pleural fluid can be difficult due to the large volume of fluid and low number of bacteria present. Though the ADA test is not specific and does not replace culture in the diagnosis of tuberculosis, it can be positive even when bacteria numbers are very low and can be used as an adjunct test to help determine whether tuberculosis is the likely cause of a person's symptoms.

When Should You Get Tested?
When a doctor suspects that a patient with chest pain, coughing, and/or difficulty breathing has tuberculosis that has spread to the pleurae, the patient is given antibiotics (lining around the lungs)

Report Delivery : Same Day Delivery