ADA (adenosine deaminase) - Enzyme Assay
Description:
Adenosine deaminase (ADA) catalyses the deamination of adenosine and deoxyadenosine to inosine and deoxyinosine respectively. A deficiency of ADA leads to the accumulation of toxic dATP in T- and B- cells. The enzyme is assayed in red cell lysates as the conversion of adenosine to inosine using an HPLC-based method.
Clinical details:
Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency is a cause of severe combined immunodeficiency. Patients typically present in the first few weeks of life with recurrent infections and failure to thrive. There is a lack T and B cell immunity and absent lymph nodes.
High ADA enzyme activity levels are found in cases of Diamond-Blackfan anaemia (DBA), a congenital erythroid aplasia that usually presents in infancy.
High ADA enzyme activity levels are found in cases of Diamond-Blackfan anaemia (DBA), a congenital erythroid aplasia that usually presents in infancy.
Reference range:
40 - 100
Units:
nmol/h/ mgHb
Department:
Location:
Sample type and Volume required:
EDTA (purple top) Mutation analysis and carrier testing available
Turnaround time:
1 week
Storage and transport:
Store in fridge, ( don’t freeze)to laboratory within 7 days/1st class post
Contacts:
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Last updated: 30/01/2026
