DiaPlexC™ G6PD Genotyping Kit (Asian type, African type)

G6PD, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is an enzyme found in the red blood cells (RBCs, erythrocytes). Its role is to protect RBCs from molecules called reactive oxygen that is usually formed in oxidative stress or after taking certain medication like antimalarial drugs. People with a G6PD deficiency can tolerate small amounts of these exposures, depending on the specific defect present in the gene. The G6PD deficiency is an X-linked recessive hereditary disease that is due to the single nucleotide polymorphism in certain target genes as mentioned below. In a G6PD deficiency condition, RBCs undergo a process called hemolysis that leads to anemia, even jaundice and kidney failure if untreated. A blood test may show as normal in a person with G6PD deficiency if it is done during or immediately following an acute episode of hemolysis. Genotyping of the G6PD gene is therefore important for taking early steps to maintain the health.