Adenosine Deaminase Test: Price, Procedure, Results, and Risk

The Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Test helps detect tuberculosis (TB), especially in fluid from the lungs or around organs. It's commonly done on pleural fluid (from around the lungs) to check for TB infection. The test is simple and safe, and results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours.

What Is the Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Test?

The adenosine deaminase test is a popular biochemical test used to measure the levels of Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) enzyme in bodily fluids such as sputum, cerebrospinal fluids, pleural fluids, synovial fluids, ascites, and blood serum.

ADA is a vital enzyme found in the body that accomplishes the following tasks:

The ADA test measures the levels of ADA enzymes in pleural fluids or serum, which are produced in greater quantities as an immunological response during TB and aid in the early detection of the illness.

Why Is the ADA (Adenosine Deaminase) Test Done?

The ADA test is most commonly used to detect tuberculosis. The condition is caused by the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria, which infects the lungs and causes a buildup of excess pleural fluids or pleural inflammation. The ADA enzyme is responsible for inducing a T-lymphocytic response to the pathogenic invasion, resulting in an increase in ADA production inside the pleural cavity.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

When Is the ADA Test Needed?

Adenosine Deaminase testing is commonly used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB), but it may also be used to detect infections in cerebral and peritoneal fluids.

The exam is also used to screen certain groups of people, including:

  • Health professionals that work with TB patients
  • Individuals leaving tuberculosis-infested areas
  • Women who are pregnant
  • Children with a positive TB screening test immunocompromised patients.

How is the Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Test Performed?

The ADA test includes collecting pleural fluid from the chest pleural cavity. The aspirate is drained through a tube after a needle is inserted between the pleural membranes protecting the chest and lungs. This fluid is subsequently sent to the laboratory for immunoassay.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

calendar icon Schedule Your Appointment

How Should I Prepare for the ADA Test?

  • There is no required preparation for an ADA exam. If you take any medications, you must notify your doctor since some compounds, such as blood thinners, may interfere with the test.
  • If you are having the test, it is best to have someone accompany you home because the anesthesia used during the test may cause dizziness.

How Do I Understand My ADA Test Results?

ADA activity greater than 43U/ml in pleural fluids indicates pleural tuberculosis with 81- 100% sensitivity and greater than 83% specificity.

Higher ADA values also may be caused by health conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, lupus,lymphomas, sarcoidosis, and other parapneumonic and vascular diseases. However, the ADA values in these cases are slightly higher.

Who Should Take the ADA(Adenosine Deaminase) Test?

The test may be recommended for:

  • People with fluid buildup in the chest or around other organs.
  • Individuals showing signs of TB but who have negative sputum tests.
  • Patients with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV-positive individuals) who are at higher risk of TB.
  • Individuals living in or coming from areas with high TB prevalence.

What Type of Sample Is Collected for the ADA Test and How?

Unlike a simple blood test, the ADA test is performed on body fluids. Common fluids include:

  • Pleural fluid (from the space around the lungs)

  • Peritoneal fluid (from the abdominal cavity)

  • Cerebrospinal fluid (from around the brain and spinal cord)

  • Pericardial fluid (from around the heart)

Here's how the sample is usually collected:

  • A healthcare provider uses a needle to draw fluid from the affected area (such as the chest).

  • The procedure is done under local anesthesia to reduce discomfort.

  • The sample is sent to a lab for ADA level testing.

The procedure is usually done in a hospital or specialized clinic.

Are There Other Ways to Collect the Sample for the ADA Test?

The test requires fluid from around organs, and there is no substitute for this method. It cannot be done with a regular blood sample or a home kit. However, ADA can also be measured in cerebrospinal fluid in cases of suspected TB meningitis.

How Long Does the ADA Test Take?

  • Sample collection: 15-30 minutes.
  • Lab results: Usually ready within 12 to 24 hours.

When Will I Get My ADA Test Results?

  • In urgent cases, hospitals may provide results the same day.
  • For routine testing, results are usually available within 12 to 24 hours. Reports are sent directly to you via WhatsApp or as a printed copy.
  • Your doctor will discuss the results with you during a follow-up visit or via a patient portal.

What Should I Do After Getting My ADA Test Results?

  • If ADA is elevated, your doctor may:
    • Order further TB testing (e.g., GeneXpert, TB culture).
    • Begin anti-TB treatment if other signs support a diagnosis.
    • Refer you to a specialist (e.g., pulmonologist or infectious disease expert).
  • If ADA is normal, your doctor will explore other causes of fluid buildup or symptoms.

Always follow up with your doctor to discuss next steps.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of the ADA Test?

The test itself (measuring ADA) has no risks, it's the fluid collection procedure that carries minor risks:

  • Pain or discomfort at the puncture site
  • Bleeding or bruising
  • Infection at the site (rare)
  • In rare cases, lung collapse (if pleural fluid is sampled)

These are usually minor and temporary. Your doctor will explain the risks before the procedure.

Is the ADA Test Painful?

  • The test involves drawing fluid with a needle, which may cause mild pain or pressure.
  • A local anesthetic is used to numb the area.
  • You may feel some discomfort, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated.

Let your provider know if you're feeling anxious, they'll help you stay comfortable.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Adenosine Deaminase?

The cost of an Adenosine Deaminase Test can depend on:

  • The type of facility conducting the test (hospital vs. diagnostic center).
  • The need for additional tests or consultations.
  • Geographic location and associated pricing for lab services.
  • Any specific procedures required to collect the sample.

How Much Does the Adenosine Deaminase Test Price in India?

The Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) test is essential for diagnosing conditions like tuberculosis and other pulmonary infections. The test cost in India can range from Rs. 300 to Rs. 600, depending on your location and the hospital's reputation. In metropolitan cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad, the price might be at the higher end of the spectrum.

Adenosine Deaminase Test Prices in Different Cities Across India

City Price
Hyderabad Rs.300 - Rs.600
Vizag Rs.300 - Rs.600
Nashik Rs.300 - Rs.600
Chh. Sambhajinagar Rs.300 - Rs.600
Nellore Rs.300 - Rs.600
Chandanagar Rs.300 - Rs.600
Srikakulam Rs.300 - Rs.600
Sangamner Rs.300 - Rs.600
Kurnool Rs.300 - Rs.600
Kakinada Rs.300 - Rs.600
Karimnagar Rs.300 - Rs.600
Pune Rs.300 - Rs.600
Nizamabad Rs.300 - Rs.600
Navi Mumbai Rs.300 - Rs.600
Vizianagaram Rs.300 - Rs.600
Bengaluru Rs.300 - Rs.600
Warangal Rs.300 - Rs.600

Other Tests


Frequently Asked Questions

The ADA test is a blood test that measures the amount of adenosine deaminase in the blood. This enzyme is important in the development and function of the immune system, and low levels of ADA can be a sign of immune deficiency disorders.

The ADA test is most commonly used to diagnose tuberculosis, as TB can cause an increase in ADA levels. It can also help diagnose other conditions, such as lymphoma, autoimmune disorders, and viral infections.

The ADA test is a simple blood test that is performed by drawing blood from a vein in your arm. The sample of blood is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

There is no specific preparation required for the ADA test. However, your doctor may ask you to avoid certain medications before the test, as they can affect the results.

The normal range for ADA levels can vary depending on the laboratory performing the test, but generally, a level of less than 30 U/L is considered normal. Higher levels of ADA can indicate the presence of certain conditions, such as tuberculosis or lymphoma.

There are no significant risks associated with the ADA test. Some people may experience slight bruising or bleed in the area where the blood was drawn, but this is generally minor and resolves quickly.

The time it takes to get the results of the ADA test can vary depending on the laboratory performing the test. In most cases, results are available within a few days to a week. Your doctor will inform you of the results and what they mean for your health.

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) has been discovered and is commonly utilized in the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). ADA is an enzyme that rises in TB due to mycobacterial antigen activation of T-cell cells.

The ADA test price ranges approximately from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500. The price may differ from place to place.

You can get an ADA test at Medicover Hospitals.

Book Doctor Appointment
Book Free Appointment
Book Appointment Second Opinion WhatsApp Health Packages Find Doctors

Feeling unwell?

Request a callback!