Re-evaluation of methaemoglobin reduction as a screening procedure for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• The methaemoglobin reduction method for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an older qualitative analysis technique.
• Concerns exist regarding its low specificity and sensitivity, leading to skepticism about its reliability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the methaemoglobin reduction method for G6PD deficiency screening.
• To assess its suitability as a routine diagnostic tool in a specific environment.

Main Methods:

• One hundred children aged 1 day to 15 years were enrolled over one year.
• G6PD screening was performed using the methaemoglobin reduction method.
• Results were compared against a quantitative G6PD assay kit (Biolabo, France) for 15 G6PD-deficient and 15 G6PD-normal subjects.

Main Results:

• The methaemoglobin reduction method achieved a sensitivity of 93.3%.
• The specificity of the methaemoglobin reduction method was also found to be 93.3%.
• Qualitative results correlated well with quantitative enzymatic assay findings.

Conclusions:

• The methaemoglobin reduction test demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy for G6PD deficiency.
• With 93.3% sensitivity and specificity, this simple qualitative test is dependable and suitable for routine G6PD screening.