Laboratory Blood Test: What It Is, How It Is Performed, and Why You May Need It
A urine test that measures adenosine deaminase binding protein levels to help evaluate kidney function and detect certain diseases.
{"This test measures a protein called adenosine deaminase binding protein (ADABP) in your urine","It helps doctors diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the kidneys, urinary tract, and immune system","The test requires only a simple urine sample","Results are often used along with other tests to get a complete picture of your health","Abnormal results may indicate infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1723-6
- Short code
- ADA-U
- Synonyms
- Adenosine deaminase BP Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container (clean-catch or midstream collection preferred)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Enzymatic assay or Immunoassay
- CPT
- 84311
- SNOMED
- 314639006
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 5-10 mL urine
- Stability
- Refrigerate at 2-8°C if not processed within 24 hours; frozen at -20°C for longer storage
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
This test is a laboratory analysis of a small sample of your blood. It measures different components, such as blood cells, chemicals, proteins, and other substances, to give your healthcare team important information about your overall health and how well certain organs are working.
The Adenosine Deaminase Binding Protein (ADABP) test measures the amount of a specific protein in your urine. Adenosine deaminase is an enzyme that plays an important role in purine metabolism, which is essential for cell function and energy production. The binding protein form is found in various body tissues and can appear in urine when kidney or urinary tract cells are damaged or when certain diseases are present.
The test is performed by drawing a small amount of blood, usually from a vein in your arm. A trained healthcare professional will clean the skin, wrap a band around your upper arm, and insert a thin needle to collect the sample into one or more tubes. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch or sting. Afterward, pressure is applied to the site and a small bandage is placed over it while your sample goes to the laboratory for analysis.
This is a simple urine test. You will be asked to provide a urine sample in a sterile container. Typically, a first-morning sample is preferred as it is more concentrated. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where technicians measure the ADABP levels using specialized equipment. No fasting or special preparation is usually required for this test.
You may need this test to help diagnose a medical condition, check how well organs such as your liver, kidneys, or heart are functioning, monitor an ongoing illness or how well a treatment is working, or as part of a routine health screening. Your doctor may also order it if you have symptoms like fatigue, fever, unexplained weight changes, or pain, to help find the cause.
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting kidney problems, urinary tract issues, or certain systemic diseases. These symptoms may include changes in urination patterns, swelling in the legs or face, unexplained fatigue, or signs of infection. The test may also be used to monitor disease progression or treatment effectiveness in conditions known to affect ADABP levels.
Reference range
Reference range varies by laboratory; typically 0-10 U/L or as specified by performing laboratoryN/A
No special preparation required. Collect random urine specimen. Patient should avoid contamination with fecal matter. Inform patient that fasting is not required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated ADABP levels in urine may indicate kidney damage from conditions such as glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, or renal tubular disorders. It can also be associated with urinary tract infections, certain malignancies involving the lymphatic or immune systems, and inflammatory conditions. In some cases, increased urinary ADABP may be seen in patients with tuberculosis or other chronic infections. Low or undetectable levels are generally considered normal and do not typically indicate disease. However, interpretation of results should always be done by your healthcare provider in the context of your overall clinical situation and other test results.
Frequently asked questions
Does this test require fasting?
Are there any risks or side effects?
How long does it take to get results?
What do abnormal results mean?
Do I need to collect a special urine sample?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy