Use of adenosine deaminase as a diagnostic tool for tuberculous pleurisy.

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.