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Lab Test

Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD)

G-6-PD, Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase

Test Codes

Antrim #16975, EPIC: LAB5857, SOFT: G6PD

Department

Special Chemistry

Instructions

A Hemoglobin (HGB) result is required to perform the G6PD test.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Lavender-top EDTA tube for G6PD and one Lavender-top EDTA tube for Hemoglobin. (Minimum Whole Blood: 2.0 mL each tube.)
See Minimum Pediatric Specimen Requirements for Microtainer® collection.

NOTE: The second Lavender-top EDTA tube is not required if a Hemoglobin (HGB)Complete Blood Count (CBC), or Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBCD) is ordered and drawn at the same time. If a separate specimen is NOT submitted, a Hemoglobin will be ordered.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Store whole blood refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Whole blood, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum Whole Blood: 2.0 mL each tube.)

Rejection Criteria

Clotted specimens.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 8 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Special Testing Laboratory

Performed

Monday – Friday (Specimens must be received in the Laboratory by 10:00 am to be performed the same day).
Results available within 1-3 days of receipt in the Laboratory.

Reference Range

0-1 week old: 7.0-17.0 U/g Hgb
Greater than 1 week old:
5.7-14.7 U/g Hgb

Test Methodology

Enzymatic.

Interpretation

Older RBC's are most deficient in G-6-PD and are the first to be eliminated during acute hemolysis. The younger RBC's and reticulocytes remaining after hemolysis contain relatively higher levels of G-6-PD. Shortly after acute hemolysis reticulocyte numbers are usually increased and this may lead to a normal G-6-PD result even though a patient has a G-6-PD deficiency.

Clinical Utility

This assay aids in the diagnosis of G-6-PD deficiency, a sex-linked disorder which affects males. This assay is also used to determine the cause of drug-induced hemolysis or hemolysis secondary to acute bacterial infection, viral infection, or metabolic disorders causing acidosis.

CPT Codes

82955
LOINC: 32546-4

Contacts

Last Updated

6/14/2021

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