Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) - red cell
Last updated: Wednesday, 05, December, 2007
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| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | 5 mL blood in ACD, lithium heparin or EDTA. |
| Method | Semi-quantitative fluorescence test and methaemoglobin reduction test; enzyme assay. Molecular genetics techniques are available - consult pathologist. |
| Reference Interval | The G6PD assay reference intervals are: 3.0-4.2 IU/1010 red cells (WHO) Newborns and infants may have values that deviate from these values by 150%. |
| Application | Investigation of haemolytic anaemia, particularly when haemolysis is related to ingestion of broad beans, or to the use of oxidant drugs (eg, anti-malarials, sulphonamides). The specific enzyme assay confirms deficiency. |
| Interpretation | Low levels indicate red cell G-6-PD deficiency. Genetic variants occur in different racial groups; clinically significant haemolysis may be seen in patients from the Mediterranean, SE Asia and Africa. Some G-6-PD deficient individuals have increased susceptibility to oxidant drug haemolysis. |
| Reference | Beutler E. Blood 1994; 84(11): 3613-3636 |