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Research Article
Use of adenosine deaminase as a diagnostic tool for tuberculous pleurisy.
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  1. L J Burgess,
  2. F J Maritz,
  3. I Le Roux,
  4. J J Taljaard
  1. Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa.

    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.

    https://doi.org/10.1136/thx.50.6.672

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