Use of adenosine deaminase as a diagnostic tool for tuberculous pleurisy

Abstract

Background - A statistical audit of adenosine deaminase (ADA) in pleural effusions was undertaken. Methods - ADA analysis, cytological and microbiological examinations, and differential cell counts were performed on 462 pleural fluid samples. Results - ADA activity in tuberculous effusions was higher than in any other diagnostic group. At a level of 50 Un the sensitivity and specificity for the identification oftuberculosis was 90% and 89%, respectively. Conclusions - ADA activity remains a usefil test in the evaluation of pleural effusions.