Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Test, Quantitative

This blood test is used to determine G6PD (glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency.

Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD or G-6-PD) is an enzyme that helps red blood cells function properly. G6PD deficiency is hereditary and occurs when red blood cells break down (a condition called hemolysis) as a response to specific drugs or the stress caused by an infection. G6PD is the most common enzyme deficiency in the world. Older individuals are subject to hemolytic anemia that can be induced by some foods, drugs and infections.

No signs or symptoms of this disorder are displayed until red blood cells are exposed to certain chemicals, foods, medicines or stress.

Triggers of G6PD include:

• Chemicals in mothballs
• Foods like fava beans
• Sulfa drugs
• Quinine
• Quinidine
• Aspirin
• Antimalarial drugs
• Nitrofurantoin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)