Heinz Bodies Demonstration for Glucose-6-Phosphate-Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Screening; Our Experience at Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

Blood samples from 100 apparently healthy individuals were screened for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) by the demonstration of Heinz bodies. Results were compared to those obtained by methaemoglobin reduction method which is the existing standard procedure in our laboratory. Heinz bodies were seen in 13 (13%) but could not be demonstrated in 87 (87%) of the blood samples. In agreement, methaemoglobin reduction was positive, indicating G6PD deficiency in the 13 (13%) samples that were positive for Heinz bodies. The 87 (87%) blood samples without demonstrable Heinz bodies were also negative for methaemoglobin reduction. This absolute agreement between the two assay methods suggests that demonstration of Heinz bodies can substitute for methaemoglobin reduction as a screening method for G6PD deficiency.

Key words: Heinz bodies, G-6-PD screening, methaemoglobin reduction

Journal of Medical Laboratory Science Vol.13(1) 2004: 45 - 47