Who, When and How to Test Newborns for G6PD Deficiency?
The g6pd Deficiency Foundation recognizes that various limitations do not currently allow for universal testing to be undertaken. With this noted, the following are the recommendations for who, when and how to test for G6PD deficiency (G6PDd)
Perform a quantitative test to determine if the baby is G6PD deficient.
Use of quantitative analyses will identify the level of G6PD activity, and thus will aid to identify those females heterozygous for the deficiency. Qualitative testing will not identify those who are heterozygous for the deficiency, nor will it provide the level of deficiency.
Perform G6PDd testing prior to discharge from the birthing facility.
Extreme hyperbilirubinemia in G6PD deficient newborns can occur soon after discharge and before the infant’s next well-being checkup with a doctor. If the condition is known prior to discharge, specifically within 24-72 hours following birth, the high-risk infant can be closely monitored and treated appropriately to avoid possible health complication from toxic bilirubin. This protocol also allows the family to become educated about this enzyme deficiency prior to G6PDd newborn going home.
Who should be tested?
- Infants presenting with hemolytic anemia
- Infants presenting with hemolytic jaundice
- Infants presenting with early onset increasing neonatal jaundice persisting beyond the first week of life (bilirubin level greater than the 40th percentile for age in hours)
- Infants readmitted to the hospital for jaundice following discharge
- Infants with a familial, racial or ethnic risk of G6PD deficiency (those with African, Asian, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern ancestry)
- Consider testing infant with an unknown ethnic background due to racial diversity in the United States
It remains the goal of the g6pd Deficiency Foundation to have all newborns screened for G6PD deficiency prior to discharge.
One Healthier State
& 49 to Go!
How to bring G6PD deficiency Newborn screening to every state
This FREE exciting live webinar event is sponsored by The g6pd Deficiency Foundation on Wednesday, May18th, 2022 at 7PM EST. If interested but cannot be there… register and you will be sent a post webinar recording link to learn more at your convenience.
G6PD Deficiency Foundation
The g6pd Deficiency Foundation, Inc.’s purpose is to provide a website that has effective and enriching G6PD Deficiency information based on valid research and reported cases. Through the implementation of educational seminars & literature to the general public and medical community, we hope to encourage G6PD deficient individuals to live a healthy life.
Fast Facts
Get educated on the basics of this enzyme deficiency, the populations it affects, as well as the statistics behind it all.
Screening
What methods are available, who should be screened, and what are the challenges with each of the available options for screening.
COVID-19 Update
If you have G6PD deficiency, here are some important tips to stay healthy during the pandemic.
Weighing the Benefits & Risks of COVID-19 Vaccines for the G6PD Deficiency Population
This FREE exciting live webinar event is sponsored by The g6pd Deficiency Foundation on Thursday, April 8th, 2021 at 8 PM EST.
Key Speaker Daniel Griffin, MD, PhD, Chief of Infectious Diseases /ProHeath Care, Clinical Instructor of Medicine /Columbia University President /Parasites Without Borders.
Guest Speaker Dan J Vick, MD, DHA, MBA, CPE,
Graduate Teaching Faculty Accreditation and Capstone Coordinator Master of Health Administration Program The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Central Michigan University
We will have surprise vaccinated speakers from the G6PD Deficiency population from around the world. Q/A forum will take place near the end of the webinar.
Brody's Battle
Brody’s Battle happened in the first ten days of his life and nearly ended it, leaving him with terrible brain damage caused by a condition called Kernicterus. Our foundation was started to spare other newborns such life-threatening events by raising awareness of how undiagnosed G6PD deficiency can cause Jaundice. A Kernicterus event can occur if neonatal Jaundice is not properly managed.
This story does not have to happen to another family...
G6PDDF SURVEY
We need to hear from those who are diagnosed with G6PD deficiency. Your participation will help prioritize the efforts of the Foundation. Thank you.
Take Action
The Foundation wants to provide the most up to date information on G6PDd and needs your support. You can help G6PD Awareness by taking action.
Time For Change
It is very difficult for one to lead a normal healthy life when they do not know they have G6PD Deficiency. Your support can allow us to continue educating everyone about G6PD Deficiency. It’s time for this enzyme deficiency to be known in every household.