Glucose-6-phosphatase dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme, a type of protein, that is found in red blood cells.
G6PD deficiency is an inherited disorder most commonly found in men of African, Asian or Mediterranean descent. It’s the result of X-linked recessive transmission, which means that it’s more commonly found in men as opposed to women. The deficiency can lead to a certain type of anemia known as hemolytic anemia.
The G6PD test is often used to determine the causes of hemolytic anemia. G6PD protects oxygen rich RBC’s from chemicals, known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Certain foods, medications, infections, and high doses of vitamin C can trigger a hemolytic episode leading to rapid destruction of red blood cells.
- CPT CODE:
- 82955
- COLLECTION CONTAINER:
- EDTA tube. Collection tube must be filled to full draw capacity to insure correct blood to anticoagulant ratio of specimen.
- STATE & SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS:
- We cannot ship lab kits to NY, AK, HI, or international
- MINIMUM VOLUME:
- same
- PATIENT PREP:
- None
- PROCESS TIME:
- 5 to 7 business days
- REJECTION CAUSES:
- Gross Hemolysis; clotted specimen; frozen specimen
- SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Monday - Thursday collections only. Specimen must be shipped same day as collection.
- SPECIMEN VOLUME:
- 6 mL EDTA whole blood
- TRANSPORT CONTAINER:
- Plastic transport tube.
- TRANSPORT INSTRUCTIONS:
- Refrigerated specimens are stable for 48 hours. DO NOT FREEZE! NOTE: tube needs to be wrapped properly to prevent breakage during transportation. Specimen must be received by no later than noon the next day following collection.
