Campus News
Free screenings for those who may have G6PD deficiency
UM is providing free screenings for those who may have a deficiency of G6PD, an enzyme that protects red blood cells.
The University of Mississippi is providing free screenings for those who may have a G6PD deficiency.
What is G6PD deficiency?
G6PD is an enzyme (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) that protects red blood cells. People who have G6PD deficiency often will show no symptoms under normal circumstances, but can have adverse reactions to some drugs, or during infections. When this happens, red blood cells can be damaged, causing anemia, dark urine, tiredness, dizziness and shortness of breath.
Who can have it?
People of African, Southeast Asian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern descent are most likely to be born with a G6PD deficiency. It is more common in males, but females are also affected. Some estimates have suggested that one in 10 African-American males in the U.S. and 400 million people worldwide have a G6PD deficiency.
If you or your parents have this heritage, and you are interested in a screening for a G6PD deficiency, contact Kerri Harrison at 662-915-2103 or kaharri6@olemiss.edu. A small token compensation is provided for your trouble if you meet these criteria and we draw your blood for screening.