Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme involved in energy production. It is found in all cells including red blood cells (RBCs) and helps protect them from certain by-products of cellular metabolism. A deficiency in G6PD causes RBCs to become more vulnerable to breaking apart (hemolysis) when exposed to certain substances. This test measures the amount of G6PD enzyme in RBCs to help diagnose a G6PD deficiency.