Test Details & Preparation

• Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) test is done to determine whether you have an inherited G6PD deficiency.


• Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) test is performed when a child experienced persistent jaundice as a newborn that was not due to another identified cause when you have had one or more intermittent bouts of haemolytic anaemia that appear to be triggered by infection or drugs.


• A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, by finger-stick, or by heel-stick (newborns) for a Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) test.


• Generally, no preparation is needed for a Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) test however, if symptoms are acute, it is advised that you wait to be tested until after the episode has resolved.


• A low level of G6PD enzyme indicates a deficiency. An affected person is more likely to experience symptoms when exposed to a trigger.


• A normal G6PD enzyme level in a male indicates that it is unlikely he has a deficiency, and if anaemia is present, it is likely due to another cause. However, if the test was performed during an episode of haemolytic anaemia, it should be repeated a few weeks later when the RBC population has had time to replenish and mature.


• Women who are carriers having one altered and one normal gene copy (heterozygous), will have both G6PD-deficient and non-deficient RBCs. These women will usually have normal or near normal G6PD levels and rarely experience symptoms.