ADENOSINE DEAMINASE - red cell

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Specimen: 1 mL blood in lithium heparin tube.

Method: Spectrophotometry.

Reference Interval: Method dependent.

Application: Diagnosis of severe combined immunodeficiency due to adenosine deaminase deficiency.

Interpretation: The test must not be done if the patient has had a recent transfusion, as the levels may be normal due to the enzyme present in the donor red cells. Patients with adenosine deaminase deficiency have very low levels.

Reference: Hirschorn R. Pediatr Res. 1993; 33: S35-41.

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