Book G6PD Test - Price, Purpose, Need, Procedure, & Results

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Introduction to the G6PD Test

The G6PD test measures the activity of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in the blood. G6PD is crucial for properly functioning red blood cells and helps protect them from damage caused by certain chemicals, infections, or medications. A deficiency in this enzyme can cause G6PD deficiency, which causes red blood cells to break down prematurely, resulting in hemolytic anemia.

The test is important to diagnose G6PD deficiency, which often remains undetected until triggered by specific stressors like infections or certain drugs. Early diagnosis can prevent complications by identifying and avoiding the triggers.

You should consider taking the G6PD test if you have symptoms of anemia, jaundice, or a family history of G6PD deficiency. It is recommended for people from ethnic groups with higher prevalence, such as those of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Southeast Asian descent.

However, your doctor may recommend this test before prescribing medications known to cause hemolysis in G6PD-deficient people or if a patient shows symptoms related to red blood cell breakdown. 

If you are looking for the G6PD test, consult your doctor and get your test done from Redcliffe Labs. Here you will get the best diagnostic experience at affordable prices.

G6PD Test details in brief

Purpose of the G6PD Test

The G6PD test detects the blood's enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This enzyme protects red blood cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. When G6PD levels are low or the enzyme is not functioning properly, red blood cells can break down prematurely, causing hemolytic anemia.

The test helps identify people with G6PD deficiency, which is important because these people risk developing anemia when exposed to certain triggers, such as specific medications, infections, or foods like fava beans. 

The G6PD test is used to:

• To detect the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in the blood.
• To diagnose G6PD deficiency, which can cause red blood cells to break down prematurely (hemolysis).
• To identify people at risk of hemolytic anemia triggered by certain medications, infections, or foods.
• To help doctors avoid prescribing drugs that may cause red blood cell damage in G6PD-deficient patients.
• To guide preventive measures and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of hemolytic episodes.
• To provide important information for safe medical treatment and management of patients.

What does the G6PD Test detect?

The G6PD test detects the activity level of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in the blood. It measures whether the enzyme is present in normal amounts and functioning properly.

• If the enzyme activity is low, the test indicates G6PD deficiency.
• This deficiency means red blood cells are more vulnerable to damage and breakdown (hemolysis).
• The test helps identify individuals at risk for hemolytic anemia triggered by certain medications, infections, or foods.

The G6PD test detects whether a person has enough functioning G6PD enzymes to protect their red blood cells from oxidative stress.

When would a G6PD test be needed? 

You may have a G6PD test if you have symptoms of hemolytic anemia (hemolytic symptoms). Usually, you don’t develop hemolytic symptoms unless you interact with a trigger. Triggers of hemolytic symptoms include:

The G6PD test is required if you have symptoms of hemolytic anemia. You don’t develop hemolytic symptoms unless you interact with a trigger. These triggers may include-

• Bacterial or viral infections.
• Fava beans (favism).
• Medications include antibiotics, anti-malarial pills, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

A G6PD test may be needed in the following situations:

• If you have symptoms of hemolytic anemia, such as fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, or rapid heartbeat.
• When anemia or jaundice occurs, especially in newborns or children.
• If there is a family history of G6PD deficiency or related blood disorders.
• If you belong to ethnic groups with a higher risk of G6PD deficiency (such as people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Southeast Asian descent).

Doctors recommend this test to ensure safe treatment and to prevent complications related to G6PD deficiency.

Preparation Required for the G6PD Test

The preparation required for the G6PD test is simple and minimal. Here’s what you need to know:

• No fasting is required before the test. You can eat and drink normally.
• Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or recent illnesses, as some factors might affect test results.
• Avoid taking medicines before the test, as it might interfere with red blood cell function if your doctor advises.
• Let your doctor know if you recently had a blood transfusion, which can affect test accuracy.
• Follow any specific instructions given by your doctor or lab.

The procedure of the G6PD Test

G6PD is a blood test. Here is the procedure for the G6PD test-

1. A healthcare professional will clean the arm area with an antiseptic or alcohol solution. 
2. After cleaning the area, he will tie a band or tourniquet around the arm.
3. Next, he will draw a blood sample from the vein of your arm in a test tube or vial using a sterile needle.
4. After collecting the sample, he removes the needle and applies a bandage or cotton gauze over the puncture site.
5. The blood sample is sent to the laboratory, where it is tested to measure the activity of the G6PD enzyme in your red blood cells.
6. Test results will be available within 48 hours. Your doctor will explain what the results mean and if any further action is needed.

The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and causes little or no discomfort.

Why might a baby need a G6PD test?

A baby might need a G6PD test because-

• If a baby develops early or severe jaundice, the test helps determine if G6PD deficiency is the cause.
• If there is a known family history of G6PD deficiency or related blood disorders, testing the baby early helps with prompt diagnosis.
• Babies with G6PD deficiency are at higher risk of red blood cell breakdown, especially when exposed to certain infections, medications, or foods.
• Early detection allows doctors and parents to avoid triggers that could cause anemia or serious health issues in the baby.

How common is G6PD deficiency? 

G6PD deficiency is one of the most common enzyme deficiencies worldwide, affecting an estimated 400 million people. 

• It is more common in people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian descent.
• In some areas, 10-20% of the population may have the deficiency.
• It is less common in people of Northern European or Native American ancestry.
• Symptomatic G6PD deficiency is more common in men than in women. 

What is the Risk of the G6PD Test?

The G6PD test is very safe, but like any blood test, it has a few minor risks:

• Slight pain or discomfort: You might feel a quick pinch or sting when the needle is inserted.
• Bruising or soreness: Some people may experience mild bruising or tenderness at the blood draw site.
• Infection: There is a very small risk of infection at the puncture site, but this is rare. 
• Fainting or dizziness: Some people might feel lightheaded during or after the blood draw.

What do the G6PD Test reports indicate?

G6PD test reports indicate the activity level of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme in your red blood cells. Here's what the results mean:

• Normal enzyme activity: G6PD levels are within the expected range, which means the enzyme is functioning properly, and there is no deficiency.
• Low enzyme activity indicates G6PD deficiency, which means the red blood cells are more vulnerable to damage, may break down easily, and can cause hemolytic anemia.

If you are a woman and have slightly lower G6PD than normal, you may be a carrier of G6PD deficiency. This means you have one defective G6PD gene and one normal G6PD gene. However, male children are more likely to develop G6PD symptoms than female children.

Who should take the G6PD Test?

The G6PD test is recommended for:

• People with symptoms of anemia, jaundice, or fatigue.
• People with a family history of G6PD deficiency or related blood disorders.
• Newborns and infants showing early jaundice or at risk due to ethnicity.
• Those belonging to high-risk ethnic groups, such as people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Southeast Asian descent.
• Patients should not start certain medications known to trigger hemolysis in G6PD-deficient individuals (e.g., some antibiotics, antimalarials).
• People who have experienced hemolytic episodes or have unexplained red blood cell breakdown.
• Individuals exposed to known triggers, like certain foods (fava beans) or infections, may experience symptoms.

The G6PD test helps to identify the risk so that you can avoid triggers and get appropriate medical care.

What are the common symptoms related to G6PD?

Common symptoms related to G6PD deficiency appear when red blood cells break down (hemolysis) and include:

• Fatigue or weakness due to anemia
• Pale skin from reduced red blood cells
• Jaundice
• Dark-colored urine
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Enlarged spleen

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of enzyme deficiency and exposure to triggers.

G6PD Test Price at Redcliffe Labs

The G6PD test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 750. You can book your G6PD test price from us to get high-quality diagnostic services. Our labs follow the Six Sigma process to create 100% accurate results. We have fully automated machines equipped with the latest technology to deliver accurate reports every time. The test report is prepared by 50+ internal & external quality control checks regularly. All our labs follow the highest quality standards per NABL and ISO guidelines. We have the best and professional teams of doctors, MD pathologists, and technicians. More than 50,000+ doctors trust us. Our user-friendly platform simplifies the test booking process; you can easily track progress and get your test reports online.