G6PD details

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme that protects red blood cells from oxidative damage. This test measures G6PD activity to check for G6PD deficiency, a common inherited condition (more prevalent in people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian descent) in which red blood cells are vulnerable to breaking down (hemolysis) when exposed to certain triggers — including specific medications, fava beans, and severe infections. Knowing you have G6PD deficiency is important mainly for avoiding these triggers, since exposure can cause a sudden, sometimes serious drop in red blood cell count.