G6PD QUANTITATIVE TEST (Favism)
(Flat ₹401 OFF - Sanovra Lab)
Report Time: Next Day Evening | Sample: Blood (EDTA Whole Blood) | Days: Except Sunday
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a vital enzyme that protects your Red Blood Cells (RBCs) from damage. It acts like a shield against oxidative stress (harmful chemicals produced during infections or after taking certain drugs).
G6PD Deficiency is a common genetic condition where this enzyme is missing or doesn't work properly. When people with this deficiency eat fava beans or take certain medicines, their red blood cells burst (Hemolysis), leading to sudden, severe anemia and jaundice. This Quantitative Test measures the exact amount of enzyme activity to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity.
Why is this Enzyme So Important?
Red blood cells carry oxygen, a risky job that exposes them to free radicals. G6PD helps produce NADPH and Glutathione, which neutralize these free radicals.
Without enough G6PD, the cell wall becomes weak. If a trigger (like an infection or drug) increases oxidative stress, the red blood cells simply break apart. This is called Acute Hemolytic Anemia.
Who Should Take This Test?
This test is crucial for:
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➤Newborns with Jaundice: Especially if the jaundice is severe or prolonged.
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➤Sudden Anemia: Patients who suddenly develop pale skin, fatigue, and dark urine after taking a new medication or eating fava beans.
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➤Pre-Treatment Screening: Before starting certain drugs (like Primaquine for Malaria or Dapsone) that are known to destroy G6PD-deficient cells.
The Triggers: What to Avoid
People with G6PD deficiency can live healthy lives as long as they avoid specific triggers:
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✔Foods: Fava beans (Broad beans).
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✔Medicines: Certain antimalarials (Primaquine), antibiotics (Sulfonamides), and painkillers (High dose Aspirin).
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✔Chemicals: Mothballs (Naphthalene) and Henna.
Interpreting Your Results
Unlike a Yes/No qualitative test, this Quantitative test gives a specific number (Units per gram of Hemoglobin).
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Normal Range | G6PD enzyme activity is sufficient. Low risk of hemolysis. |
| Low Activity | G6PD Deficiency. The patient is at risk of hemolytic anemia. The lower the number, the more severe the risk. |
Recommendation: Wait 2-3 months after an acute attack to get tested.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, it is a lifelong genetic condition (carried on the X chromosome). However, it is easily managed by avoiding triggers. Most people lead completely normal lives.
The gene is on the X chromosome. Men have only one X chromosome (XY), so if they have the gene, they have the disease. Women have two (XX), so they are usually "carriers" and show milder or no symptoms.
No, the G6PD Quantitative test involves complex enzyme kinetics and is performed on all days Except Sunday at Sanovra Lab.
Know Your Genetic Risk
Prevent sudden anemia by knowing your enzyme levels. Book the G6PD Quantitative Test at Sanovra Lab.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a qualified Hematologist or Physician.