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Use of adenosine deaminase as a diagnostic tool for tuberculous pleurisy
L J Burgess1, F J Maritz, I Le Roux
1Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa.
Thorax
|June 1, 1995
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 U/l the sensitivity and specificity for the identification of tuberculosis was 90% and 89%, respectively.
Conclusions:
ADA activity remains a useful test in the evaluation of pleural effusions.