G6PD Qualitative

This test is used to measure the amount of enzyme G6PD present in the blood. This test is usually recommended for individuals who may be suspected to carry a genetic mutation which causes G6PD deficiency or diseases like hemolytic anaemia, malaria, active bacterial infections, etc.

What is G6PD Deficiency?

Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase is a type of enzyme present in the blood. This enzyme plays a role in maintaining the red blood cells in the blood by preventing damage caused due to oxidative stress (decreased level of oxygen in the blood). Genetic mutation or rearrangement of specific genes on the X chromosome in an individual affects the formation of this enzyme. Decreased levels of G6PD enzyme causes the red blood cells in the individuals suffering from this condition get destroyed easily which leads to anaemia (low blood cell count). The decreased count of red blood cells due to the rapid damage is called hemolytic anaemia. Consumption of certain foods/substances/medicines or conditions like over the counter pain killers, antimalarial medicines, antibiotics like ofloxacin, fava beans, naphthalene, active bacterial infections, may increase the rate of red blood cell damage in individuals with G6PD deficiency.

Why is this test done?

This test is recommended by your doctor if you experience certain signs and symptoms like urine, pale skin, general weakness, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue (feeling tired all the time), etc.

This test is recommended if you are from any active bacterial or viral infections, family history of similar conditions, etc. and individuals with a recent history of blood transfusion may interfere with your test results.

Precautions

Individuals suffering from this condition are required to avoid the use of certain medicines like antimalarials, antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, pain killer medicines like aspirin, and foods like fava beans, etc. These medicines may increase the damage to the red blood cells.

Low levels of G6PD enzyme indicate that the individual has inherited the disease and the individual may develop hemolytic anaemia if exposed to certain triggers like fava beans, antibiotics, antimalaria medicines like primaquine, etc. Based on your test results your doctor may advise appropriate medications, lifestyle modifications, etc.