This test determines the amount of G6PD in the blood; G6PD stands for glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme that can help red blood cells function well. Red blood cells move air from non-severe to all cells in the body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and stay awake.
If you do not have enough G6PD, this is commonly known as G6PD deficiency. It is a genetic disorder that primarily affects males; G6PD deficiency can cause degradation of red blood cells. When red blood cells are destroyed faster than the corpse can change them, this is called hemolytic anemia. When hemolytic anemia is present, the cells do not get all the air they need.
Most people with G6PD deficiency do not show signs of the disease until they are affected by certain “triggers” that ensure that the red blood cells are broken down. Triggers include.
- Fava Bean, also called Broad Beans
- Viral infection
- Bacterial infections
- Certain antibiotics
- Antimalarial drugs
- Other medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin
Other names: G6PD deficiency test, glucose-6-phosphate hydrogease test
What is it used for?
The G6PD test is used to test for G6PD deficiency (too little G6PD).
Why is the G6PD test needed?
The G6PD test may be needed if there are signs of hemolytic anemia. These include
- fatigue
- Pale skin or yellow und, a condition in which your skin and cleansing turn yellow
- Fast heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Dark or yellow-orange urine.
If a newborn baby has yellow und that does not pass after 2 weeks and/or is not declared so, a G6PD test may be necessary. If there is a G6PD deficiency situation at home, the baby can be tested.
What happens during the G6PD test?
A health care employee takes blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. Some pressure can be felt as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
If the baby is examined, the caregiver polishes the baby’s heel with alcohol and wipes the heel with a small needle. The caregiver collects a few drops of blood and places a bandage on the spot.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No special measures are required for the G6PD test.
Were there any risks associated with this test?
The risk of blood tests is not sufficient. You can have a little soreness or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most signs disappear quickly.
If the heel is punctured and a small bruise forms at the website, the baby can feel some acceleration. This should be rejected immediately.
What do the results mean?
A result showing that you have a lower than normal G6PD count means that you have G6PD deficiency. However, your symptoms and risk of hemolytic anemia depend on your own health situation and exposure to triggers.
Women with slightly lower than normal G6PD counts may well be “carriers” of G6PD deficiency. This means they once had a defective G6PD gene and once had a normal G6PD gene. These women are occasionally pictured with a normal G6PD gene, such as a fairly healthy red blood cell. However, they run the risk of passing the defective gene on to their own boys. Male children are more likely than males to develop G6PD traits.
Is there anything else I should know about G6PD testing?
Most people with G6PD deficiency are more likely to keep their condition under control and prevent symptoms by not starting medications. Your caregiver can tell you which medications you should avoid.
Made available by MedlinePlus at the State Medical Library.
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