In simple words: This is a blood test that measures the amount of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in your red blood cells. This enzyme is important for the health of your red blood cells. This test is sometimes used to diagnose a rare genetic disorder called 6PGD deficiency, which can cause red blood cells to break down too easily.

The lab analyst performs a test on red blood cells (RBCs) in a blood specimen for 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, which is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of RBCs. Although not limited to testing for a specific condition, clinicians may order this test to help evaluate a hereditary abnormality called 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase deficiency (6PGD) deficiency. The condition may cause abnormal destruction of red blood cells in newborns or in adults in response to certain chemicals, foods, or infections. In severe cases, the massive destruction of RBCs can lead to kidney failure. Clinicians rarely order this test because newer test methods are available.

Example 1: A newborn infant presents with jaundice and anemia. The physician orders an RBC 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase test to evaluate for 6PGD deficiency., An adult patient experiences sudden anemia after taking a new medication. The physician orders this test to rule out 6PGD deficiency as a contributing factor to the hemolysis., A patient with a family history of 6PGD deficiency undergoes this test as part of a diagnostic workup for unexplained hemolytic episodes.

Medical record documentation should include the reason for the test, patient symptoms, relevant medical history, and any medications the patient is taking.

** Some payers may reimburse separately for specimen collection (e.g., 36415 for venipuncture). Clinicians may order alternative tests for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) such as 81247, 81248, 81249, 82955, or 82960 instead of 84085.