Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G-6-PD) using methemoglobin reduction test in blood donors of Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

Introduction: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that protects RBCs from oxidative damage
by free radicals in food, drug, chemical or infectious conditions. If blood from donors with G-6-PD deficiency
is transfused to patients, it can cause hemolysis, especially in exchange transfusion for neonate.

Objective: To study the prevalence of G-6-PD deficiency in blood donors of Chiang Mai Province using
methemoglobin reduction test.

Materials and methods: One thousand and seventeen EDTA blood samples obtained from blood donors at
Regional Blood Center X Chiang Mai, Thai Red Cross Society were subjected to screen of G-6-PD deficiency using
methemoglobin reduction test.

Results: Nine hundred and ten samples (89.5%) were found to have normal G-6-PD activity. Thirty three
samples (3.2%) were partially deficient and 74 samples (7.3%) were completely deficient for G-6-PD enzyme.
The prevalence of G-6-PD deficiency in blood donors was estimated to be 10.5%, with males being 6.4% and
females being 4.1%.

Conclusions: Prevalence of G-6-PD deficiency in blood donors of Chiang Mai Province is considerably high.
Thus, screening for G-6-PD deficiency among blood donors in this area and other areas with high prevalence is
recommended in order to suggest the donation of blood components instead of red blood cells.

Bull Chiang Mai Assoc Med Sci 2015; 48(1): 29-33. Doi: 10.14456/jams.2015.4