In simple words: This test measures the level of G6PD in your blood. G6PD is an enzyme that protects your red blood cells from damage. If you don't have enough G6PD, your red blood cells can break down, leading to anemia. This can cause tiredness, weakness, and other symptoms.

This code represents the quantitative measurement of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme levels in red blood cells from a whole blood sample. This test is used to diagnose G6PD deficiency, a genetic disorder that can lead to hemolytic anemia, particularly when triggered by certain foods, drugs, or infections. The test quantifies the G6PD enzyme level, typically using spectrophotometry, to determine the severity of the deficiency.

Example 1: A patient of Mediterranean descent presents with fatigue, jaundice, and dark urine following a recent infection. The physician orders a G6PD test (82955) to evaluate for potential G6PD deficiency as a cause of hemolytic anemia., A newborn presents with jaundice and elevated bilirubin levels. The physician orders a G6PD test (82955) to assess for G6PD deficiency, a common cause of neonatal jaundice, especially in infants of African, Asian, or Mediterranean descent., A patient with unexplained hemolytic anemia is scheduled to begin treatment with primaquine, an antimalarial drug known to trigger hemolysis in individuals with G6PD deficiency. A G6PD test (82955) is ordered prior to starting treatment to screen for the deficiency and prevent potential complications.

Documentation should include the reason for testing (e.g., unexplained hemolytic anemia, family history of G6PD deficiency, adverse reaction to medication), patient demographics, and date and time of sample collection. If the test is performed during a hemolytic crisis, document the potential triggers (e.g., infection, medication, food ingestion).