G6PD is an enzyme that protects red blood cells from oxidative damage.

Deficiency leads to hemolysis when exposed to certain drugs, infections, or foods (e.g., fava beans).

Clinical uses include:

Diagnosing G6PD deficiency in patients with unexplained hemolytic anemia.

Screening individuals before prescribing oxidative drugs (e.g., primaquine, dapsone, sulfonamides).

Identifying carriers in families with known G6PD deficiency.

Supporting evaluation of neonatal jaundice.

The quantitative test measures actual enzyme activity, making it more reliable than qualitative screening.

Analyte: G6PD enzyme activity in red blood cells (U/g Hb or U/10¹² RBC).

Normal Range (varies by lab): Typically 5–10 U/g Hb.

Abnormal Findings:

Low enzyme activity: Indicates G6PD deficiency, which may lead to hemolysis under oxidative stress.

Normal/high activity: Rules out clinically significant deficiency.

Clinical Use:

Provides a direct measure of G6PD enzyme activity.

Helps guide drug safety, diagnosis, and management of hemolytic disorders.

Supports hematology, pediatrics, internal medicine, and genetic counseling evaluations.