Screening for G6pd Deficiency in Blood Donors

Original Article AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:1. To screen blood donors [n=100] for G6PD deficiency, particularly in males. 2. To determine the frequency of G6PD deficiency in the population tested. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 samples of donors' blood from at KIMS Blood Bank. Method of collection of data: The Methaemoglobin reduction test: Principle: Sodium Nitrate oxidises MethHb to Hb and the subsequent enzymatic reconversion to Hb in the presence of Methylene blue. This occurs by activation of MethHb reductase in Pentose phosphate pathway. Interpretations: (a) Non sensitive individuals: sample is clear red like normal standard. (b) Full expression: sample is dark grey or brown, like positive standard.(c) Intermediate expression: Colour varies between the positive and negative controls in accordance with the degree of expression of the trait.OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS:All the samples collected tested negative for Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. The percentage of male donors (93%) was greater than that of female donors (7%). the highest no. of donors, both male and female were of the blood group O positive. The age of the donors ranged from 18 to 49 years, with a mean of 33.5 years. Their Hemoglobin values ranged from 12.5 to 16 g/dl with a mean of 14.25 g/dl.CONCLUSIONS:This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in blood donors, particularly male, and therefore to conclude whether screening for it should be included as a routine in blood banks prior to transfusion. A continued study for longer periods, involving a larger number of donors from different geographical areas, castes and communities may be required to ascertain the prevalence of the enzyme disorder and the necessity of routinely screening for it in healthy blood donors. Different study methods may also be used to determine the same.