Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Quantitative Test – Accurate Whole Blood Spectrophotometry Assay for G6PD Deficiency Diagnosis

Description

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Quantitative Test – Accurate Whole Blood Spectrophotometry Assay

The G6PD Quantitative Test from Lab Tests Dubai is a gold-standard diagnostic assay designed to measure the activity of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD)—a critical enzyme that protects red blood cells from oxidative damage. Using whole blood and advanced spectrophotometry, this test delivers highly accurate, quantitative results within just 1 day, making it essential for diagnosing G6PD deficiency, a common X-linked genetic disorder affecting millions worldwide.

G6PD deficiency can lead to acute hemolytic anemia when triggered by:

• Certain medications (e.g., sulfa drugs, antimalarials)
• Infections
• Fava beans (favism)
• Naphthalene (mothballs)

Early detection is vital—especially in newborns, infants, and high-risk populations—to prevent severe jaundice, anemia, and life-threatening complications.

Available with home blood collection across Dubai, this test supports pediatricians, hematologists, and families in safeguarding health through precision diagnostics.

Why You Need This Test

G6PD deficiency is silent until triggered—but the consequences can be severe. You need this test if:

• Your newborn has unexplained jaundice (neonatal hyperbilirubinemia)
• You or your child had anemia after taking certain medications or eating fava beans
• • Mediterranean (Greek, Italian)
  • African, African-American
  • Middle Eastern, Arab
  • Southeast Asian, FilipinoYou belong to a high-risk ethnic group:
• You’re planning malaria treatment (drugs like primaquine can trigger hemolysis)
• You have a family history of G6PD deficiency

This test is not just diagnostic—it’s preventive. Knowing your G6PD status helps you avoid dangerous triggers and protect your red blood cells for life.

Symptoms That Indicate This Test

Consider the G6PD Test if you or your child shows:

• Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) – especially in newborns
• Dark urine (cola- or tea-colored) due to hemoglobin release
• Pale skin, fatigue, or weakness (signs of anemia)
• Rapid heart rate or shortness of breath
• Swelling in the abdomen (enlarged spleen)
• Fever or infection followed by sudden anemia
• Reaction after taking antibiotics, antimalarials, or aspirin
• Family history of G6PD deficiency or favism

These symptoms may indicate acute hemolytic crisis—a medical emergency in G6PD-deficient individuals.

Natural Production: How G6PD Protects Your Blood

G6PD is naturally produced in red blood cells and is the first enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, responsible for:

• Generating NADPH, a key antioxidant
• Protecting hemoglobin from oxidative stress
• Preventing red blood cell destruction (hemolysis)

When G6PD is deficient:

• Red blood cells become vulnerable to oxidative damage
• Hemoglobin breaks down, releasing free hemoglobin and bilirubin
• This leads to hemolytic anemia and jaundice

Deficiency is genetic (X-linked recessive), so:

• Males are more commonly affected
• Females can be carriers or mildly affected

This test measures enzyme activity, not just genetics—providing a functional diagnosis.

What Happens If Untreated? Risks of G6PD Deficiency

Ignoring G6PD deficiency can lead to serious, preventable complications:

⚠️ Acute Hemolytic Anemia

• Sudden red blood cell destruction → fatigue, dark urine, organ strain

⚠️ Kernicterus in Newborns

• Severe jaundice → bilirubin crosses blood-brain barrier → permanent brain damage

⚠️ Renal Failure

• Hemoglobin overload can damage kidneys

⚠️ Need for Blood Transfusions

• In severe hemolytic episodes

⚠️ Life-Threatening Reactions to Common Medications

• Primaquine, sulfonamides, aspirin, and others can trigger crisis

Early testing allows for lifelong avoidance of triggers and safe medical treatment.

How to Prepare for the Test

Preparing for the G6PD Test is simple:

✅ No fasting required
✅ Test should NOT be done during or immediately after a hemolytic episode—results may be falsely normal due to destruction of old RBCs (which have low G6PD)
✅ Best time to test: 2–3 months after a hemolytic event
✅ Inform your doctor of:

• Recent infections or medications
• History of anemia or jaundice
• Family history of G6PD deficiency

A whole blood sample (EDTA tube) is collected via standard blood draw—available at our labs or via home collection.

Test Overview: Gold-Standard Spectrophotometry Method

Spectrophotometry measures G6PD enzyme activity by detecting NADPH production during the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate. It’s the most accurate functional assay—superior to rapid qualitative tests.

Reference Ranges (approximate):

• Normal: >70–150 U/L
• Mild Deficiency: 30–70 U/L
• Severe Deficiency: <30 U/L

Results are reported with clinical interpretation.

FAQs About the G6PD Quantitative Test

Q: Can newborns be tested?
A: Yes. It’s critical for babies with jaundice or family history.

Q: Is this test genetic or functional?
A: This is a functional enzyme activity test—not a DNA test—so it reflects real-time enzyme levels.

Q: Can I get a false-negative result?
A: Yes—during or right after a hemolytic episode, younger RBCs (with higher G6PD) remain, masking deficiency. Retest later.

Q: Can women be affected?
A: Yes. While rare, some female carriers show symptoms due to X-chromosome inactivation patterns.

Q: Can I book without a doctor’s referral?
A: Yes! Lab Tests Dubai allows direct online booking—ideal for newborn screening or family testing.

Q: How will I get results?
A: A secure digital report is emailed within 24 hours, including enzyme activity and reference range.

If you or your child is at risk for G6PD deficiency, the G6PD Quantitative Test is the most accurate wayto get answers—fast.