The University of Mississippi is providing free screenings for those who may have G6PD deficiency.
A small compensation is provided if you meet these criteria and we draw your blood for screening.
What is G6PD deficiency?
G6PD is an enzyme (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) that protects red blood cells. People with G6PD deficiency often show no symptoms under normal circumstances, but can have negative 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 G6PD deficiency. It is more common in males, but females can also be affected. Some estimates suggest that one in 10 African-American males in the U.S. and 400 million people worldwide have G6PD deficiency.
Want to know more?
For more information or if you are interested in being screened for G6PD deficiency, contact Kerri Harrison at
662-915-2103 or kaharri6@olemiss.edu.