G6PD One Mutation (Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency) Test

A G6PD test measures levels of glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), an enzyme in your blood. An enzyme is a type of protein that’s important for cell function. G6PD helps red blood cells function normally. It also protects them from potentially harmful by-products that can accumulate when your body is fighting infection, or as the result of certain medications. A G6PD test is most often ordered after a doctor has ruled out other causes of anemia and jaundice. They’ll perform the test once a hemolytic episode has subsided. It is a simple test that requires a blood sample. It’s typically ordered to test for G6PD deficiencies

It is recommended that you should either wear a sleeve-less or a short-sleeved shirt to make it easier for you and the technician who will be drawing the blood. Wearing a shirt with full- sleeves that can easily be rolled-up is also fine. Some medications can interfere with results. Tell your doctor which medications you’re taking, including prescriptions and nutritional supplements. They may advise you to stop taking them before your G6PD test. Let your doctor know if you’ve recently eaten fava beans or taken sulfa drugs, such as antibacterial drugs, diuretics (water pills), or anticonvulsants. This can produce adverse reactions, especially in people with G6PD deficiencies.

Low levels of G6PD in your blood indicate an inherited deficiency. There’s no cure for this disorder.
However, you can prevent hemolytic episodes and anemic symptoms by avoiding certain triggers.
Triggers related to a G6PD deficiency include:
• eating fava beans

• taking aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen
• sulfa drugs, which are used to treat bacterial or fungal infections
• naphthalene, a compound found in moth repellent and toilet bowl deodorizers

A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the collection site (superficial vein that
lies within the elbow pit)
• A 70% alcohol pad is used to clean the skin
• A needle is then kept in line with and injected into a vein that can be seen from the skin
• The blood is dragged out from the needle by a nozzle, saved in a vessel and sealed with your
name
• The sample is then taken to a lab for examination