G6PD deficiency blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme inside red blood cells that helps protect them from oxidative stress. People with G6PD deficiency have lower enzyme activity, so their red cells can break down more easily, a process called haemolysis. Most people with the deficiency feel well day to day, but certain triggers can bring on episodes of anaemia and jaundice.

Known triggers include eating fava (broad) beans, some infections, and specific medicines such as primaquine, dapsone, rasburicase and some sulphonamide antibiotics. G6PD deficiency is inherited on the X chromosome, so it is more common in men, and it is more frequent in people with family origins in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have a family history of G6PD deficiency or favism.
• You have had unexplained episodes of jaundice, dark urine or anaemia.
• You are about to start a medicine that is unsafe with G6PD deficiency, such as primaquine or dapsone.
• You have family origins in a region where the deficiency is common and would like to know your status.
• Your blood count has shown signs of red cell breakdown.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your G6PD activity with the laboratory reference range. Normal activity means you are unlikely to have the deficiency. Reduced activity suggests G6PD deficiency, and your practitioner will explain which medicines and foods to avoid and when to share the result with your GP and pharmacist.

Results can be falsely normal shortly after a haemolytic episode or a blood transfusion, because younger red cells have more enzyme. Women who carry one affected gene may show intermediate results. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, and if doubt remains, testing may be repeated a few months later or confirmed with genetic testing. If you notice sudden dark urine, yellowing of the skin or breathlessness, seek medical care urgently.

Preparing for your test

You do not need to fast and you can eat normally beforehand. Tell us if you have had a blood transfusion in the past three months or a recent episode of anaemia or jaundice, because both can affect the result. If you have any illness at the moment, we may suggest waiting until you have recovered.

A Full Blood Count shows your haemoglobin and red cell indices, and the Anaemia Check looks for iron-related causes of low haemoglobin. You can also see every blood test and price in Chiswick on one page.

Questions

How much is a G6PD deficiency test in Chiswick?

The G6PD deficiency test costs £139 at Omnia Lifestyle. It includes your blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review, and a GP feedback report on request.

Is G6PD deficiency serious?

Most people live normally by avoiding known triggers. Knowing your status matters most before certain medicines, so share a positive result with your GP and pharmacist.

Do I need to test more than once?

Usually one clear result is enough, because the condition is inherited. A repeat may be advised if the first test was taken soon after an episode of haemolysis or a transfusion.

Can women have G6PD deficiency?

Yes. Women can be carriers with partly reduced activity, and some have full deficiency. Women can have findings that are harder to interpret, and your practitioner will explain yours.