Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Test: Procedure and Results

G6PD Test Price

The price of a G6PD blood test in India may be between ₹500 to ₹2000, based on the diagnostic centre, location and additional services. The best pricing should be directly confirmed from your local hospitals or diagnostic labs.

Who Needs a G6PD test?

One might need a G6PD test if they have symptoms of hemolytic anemia. These include:

If your newborn baby's jaundice does not resolve in two weeks he or she may require a G6PD test. If you have a family history of G6PD deficiency, your infant may be tested as well.

What Happens During a G6PD Test?

A tiny needle will be inserted by a healthcare professional to draw blood from the veins of your arm. Following the insertion of the needle, a small quantity of blood will be collected in a test tube. When the needle goes in, you may feel a slight sting. This normally takes five minutes.

A healthcare practitioner will wipe your baby's heel with alcohol and puncture the heel with a small needle. The provider will take a few drops of blood and apply a bandage to the wound.

G6PD Test Procedure

The G6PD test is a blood test to measure G6PD enzyme levels in red blood cells. It is a test to diagnose G6PD deficiency, a genetic disorder that can cause hemolytic anemia. Below is a stepwise description of the process:

Sample Collection

A medical professional will clean a spot on your arm where the test is done, usually near the inside of your elbow, to decrease the risk of infection. A healthcare worker inserts a needle into the vein to remove a small sample of blood. The procedure may feel like a slight pinching or burning sensation.

Preparation

Generally, no special preparation is needed. However, your doctor may advise avoiding certain medications or foods that can affect red blood cell levels before the test.

Handling the Sample

A blood sample is collected into a test tube or vial and sent for lab testing. In some laboratories, specialized equipment is used to measure G6PD enzyme activity in the RBCs directly.

Post-Test Care

Once blood is drawn, there may be some minor bruising or sensitivity at the site, though this usually goes away within a day or two. Regular activity can be resumed immediately after the test.

Results

It may take a few days to gain results. A low G6PD level indicates a deficit, which may cause the red blood cells to break down upon exposure to certain drugs, foods or infections.

This is an additional test that can be a bit of a must for those patients who have a family history of G6PD deficiency or for those with unexplained anemia. This test helps proper guidance on safe therapy options available for treatment purposes.

Understanding Results

If your findings suggest that you have less G6PD than usual, you have a G6PD deficit. But, depending on your health history and exposure to triggers, your symptoms and risk of hemolytic anemia may differ.

Women with slightly lower-than-normal G6PD levels may be "carriers" of a G6PD deficit. It suggests they have one normal G6PD gene and one faulty G6PD gene. These women seldom have symptoms because their normal G6PD genes produce enough healthy red blood cells. But, they run the danger of passing on the faulty gene to their children. Male children are more prone than female children to acquire G6PD symptoms.

G6PD Test Normal Range

The normal range used by the G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) test may be slightly different from ranges in other laboratories, depending on how the measurement is made. Based on W3C specifications, the following ranges are commonly used.

Values in this range suggest an average amount of G6PD enzyme and generally no deficiency. Results lower than normal may indicate G6PD deficiency, which can make a person more likely to develop hemolytic anemia when exposed to certain triggers (e.g., some foods, medications or infections). Note that ranges can vary between labs, so always check with a health professional to understand the implications of the specific result.

Important information to know about G6PD testing?

By avoiding triggering chemicals, most persons with G6PD deficiency may control their illness and prevent symptoms. Your doctor can advise you on which substances you should avoid.