Detection of Erythrocyte Glucose-6- Phosphate-Dehydrogenase Deficiency: Variations in Brilliant Cresyl Blue

Abstract

A rapid test for the detection of the hereditary deficiency of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase in erythrocytes has been widely used to determine the prevalence of this abnormality in many races. 1 The enzyme is assayed by coupling the reaction to brilliant cresyl blue and measuring the time for reduction of a fixed quantity of dye. It is stated by Motulsky 1 that the dye suppbed by National Aniline Division of Allied Chemicals, New York, must be used; and that the dye supplied by the Coleman and Bell Co., does not decolorise in the test system. A sample of brilliant cresyl blue supplied by British Drug Houses has been successfully used in the .examination of over 500 East African males for the enzyme deficiency 2; it was found, however, that precautions had to be taken to keep the reaction mixture under constant illumination, because this sample of dye was photosensitive, whereas that supplied by National Aniline was not.