Evaluation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in two different ethnic groups using a kit employing the haemoglobin normalization procedure

Aim Correct evaluation of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) activity of two ethnic groups using a fully quantitative kit with a simultaneous Hemoglobin Normalization (Hb Normalization) procedure. Design and methods Two groups of mothers and their healthy full term newborns of Greek (n = 1.166) and Albanian (n = 818) origin were tested for their G-6-PD activity employing a direct normalization protocol. Results Greek mothers and newborns showed a higher prevalence for G-6-PD deficiency as compared to those of Albanian origin. Males of G-6-PD deficient mothers confirmed the efficacy of the method. Conclusion A fully quantitative G-6-PD kit employing Hb Normalization is essential for the correct classification of G-6-PD activity, both in male and female subjects.