G6PD Qualitative Blood Test

G6pd test is done in patients suspected to be G6PD deficient. Patients include cases of  neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, acute hemolysis, and chronic hemolysis. The usual triggers for hemolysis include :

• Bacterial infections
• Certain medications like antibiotics and NSAIDs.
• In babies with unresolving jaundice. 

The glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) test is done for the following reasons:

• It helps to find out if you have G6PD deficiency and treat it before it gets worse.
• For finding the underlying cause of persistent jaundice in infants or babies suffering from it for more than two weeks without any obvious cause.
• To confirm the presence of haemolytic anaemia in adults experiencing symptoms like
  1. Increased spleen size.
  2. Weakness.
  3. Dizziness.
  4. Jaundice.
  5. Light skin.
  6. Higher heart rate.
  7. Dark-coloured urine.
  8. Breathlessness.

Typically, the G6PD qualitative blood test is recommended for anyone with a family history of G6PD deficiency. However, it is also recommended for:

• Patients who are thought to be G6PD deficient.
• Patients with chronic haemolysis, acute haemolysis, and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
• People experiencing the following symptoms of haemolysis:
  1. Bacterial infections.
  2. Reactions to medications such as NSAIDs and antibiotics.
  3. Persistent jaundice, in infants.

The test is also suggested for people who show signs of haemolytic anaemia after being exposed to certain drugs, conditions, or foods, such as:

• Certain Antibiotics.
• Anti-Malarial Drugs.
• Bacterial Infections.
• Viral Infections.
• Fava Beans/Broad Beans (Favism).
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Aspirin and Ibuprofen).

G6pd test detects presence G6PD enzyme as deficient or not deficient

The glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase qualitative test measures the amount of G6PD in the blood.

During G6pd test blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

G6PD deficient patients may suffer from hemolytic episodes and jaundice when exposed to a trigger; in absence of a trigger they are usually asymptomatic. G6PD not deficient results are considered normal. Result may come false not deficient in case a G6PD deficient person is tested during hemolytic episode.

Inquire with your medical professional if the test requires any particular preparation. Certain meals and medications may affect the outcomes of your tests.

Anaemia is a condition when the body doesn't produce enough healthy red blood cells to deliver oxygen to the tissues. Fatigue, pale skin, dizziness and shortness of breath, are some anaemia symptoms.

When RBCs get too old, a normal biological process called haemolysis takes place. RBCs start to lose specific characteristics and function less effectively as they get older. For instance, they might lose the ability to deform, which enables them to alter shape to flow through blood vessels.

A healthcare provider may suggest the following tests along with the G6PD qualitative test:

Complete Blood Count (CBC):

The complete blood count (CBC) is a panel of tests used to measure the different components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, haemoglobin, and hematocrit.

Serum Haemoglobin Test:

The serum haemoglobin test measures the concentration of haemoglobin in the blood. This test is useful for diagnosing anaemia because it can determine whether the condition is due to a decrease in red blood cells or haemoglobin.

Reticulocyte Count:

The reticulocyte count is a blood test that measures the quantity of immature red blood cells. It is used to aid in the diagnosis, monitoring, and evaluation of the efficacy of anaemia treatments.

References

https://www.metropolisindia.com/parameter/g6pd-quantitative-reflex-qualitative

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22381-g6pd-test#:~:text=from%20Cleveland%20Clinic-,A%20G6PD%20test%20is%20a%20blood%20draw%20to%20check%20levels,have%20symptoms%20of%20hemolytic%20anemia.

• Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency Test.
• Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Test.
• G6PD Deficiency Test.
• G6PD Test.