Adenosine Deaminase Synovial Fluid

This test is used to analyze the level of adenosine deaminase enzyme present in the synovial fluid of an individual. This test is useful in evaluating, identifying, assessing the presence of bacterial, viral or auto-immune diseases like extrapulmonary tuberculosis (Mycobacterial infections apart from lungs and respiratory system), HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc.

What is Adenosine Deaminase?

Adenosine deaminase is an enzyme which plays a role in the conversion of adenosine to inosine during purine metabolism. The enzyme breaks down the adenosine present in food and also within the cells for the synthesis of nucleic acids. It plays a role in the development and maintenance of immunity within the body. The enzyme stimulates the release of immune cells in the presence of bacterial, viral or other infective agents. Absence of adenosine deaminase enzyme may prevent the formation of the immune cells (T-Lymphocytes, B-Lymphocytes) which leads to reduced immunity and increased sensitivity to bacterial and viral infections.

What is synovial fluid?

The thick viscous fluid between joints of the bone is called the synovial fluid. The synovial fluid is generally clear and is made up of plasma and proteins which supplies nutrients to the joint structures and also plays a role in lubricating the bone joints to protect them from wear and tear. The contents of the synovial fluid tend to change in case of any disease or disorders related to joints, bone and bone marrow.

Why is this test recommended?

This test is recommended to when you may experience certain symptoms like swelling and painful joints, difficulty in moving, weakness or tenderness of joints, muscle and back pain, redness around major joints like knees, fever, etc.

This test can also be recommended by the doctor if you had suffered from diseases which joints, bone and bone marrow like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, leukemia (cancer which affects blood and bone marrow), autoimmune diseases, or any other similar illnesses in the past.

Higher or lower values of adenosine deaminase in synovial fluid test results may indicate that the individual may have the disease or conditions which affect the bones and joints like osteoarthritis, trauma, kidney or liver diseases, cancers or tumors, muscle disorders, infections like tuberculosis, bacterial or viral pericarditis, rheumatic disease, etc.

Based on the test results, your doctor may advise you appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests, etc.