In this study we prospectively evaluated the comparative diagnostic utility of established (adenosine deaminase [ADA]), more recent (standardized nucleic-acid-amplification-test [NAAT]) and newer technologies (IP-10 levels and a standardized LAM mycobacterial antigen-detection assay) for the evaluation of pleural effusions in 78 South African tuberculosis suspects. The gene discussed is ADA; the disease is Pleural effusion.