This test measures the amount of G6PD in the blood. G6PD stands for glucose-6-phosphate

dehydrogenase, an enzyme that helps red blood cells work properly. Red blood cells move

oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Your cells need oxygen to grow,

reproduce, and stay healthy.Levels of G6PD are higher in the newborn than they are in the

adult. When high levels are seen in older patients, it invariably reflects the presence of a

young red blood cell population with reticulocytosis.