Reliability of quantitative and qualitative tests to identify heterozygotes carrying severe or mild G6PD deficiency

OBJECTIVES: To determine if the qualitative test (cytochemical) is more reliable than the quantitative test (differential pH-metry) in identifying heterozygous G6PD- subjects. DESIGN AND METHODS: Identification of heterozygous G6PD- subjects was done by the measurement of G6PD activity and by a cytochemical test. RESULTS: A cytochemical test is more sensitive than differential pH-metry to identify heterozygous G6PD- subjects. CONCLUSIONS: A cytochemical test is a reliable method for mass screening for G6PD deficiency to identify G6PD- heterozygotes.