Question 1

What is Favism?

Accepted Answer

Favism is a severe hemolytic reaction that occurs when individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency consume fava beans or are exposed to certain triggers. It is caused by a hereditary deficiency of the G6PD enzyme, which protects red blood cells from oxidative damage. The Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Quantitative test is the most important test for diagnosis.

Question 2

What causes favism?

Accepted Answer

Favism is caused by a hereditary deficiency of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme in red blood cells. This genetic condition is inherited in an X-linked pattern, meaning it primarily affects males while females can be carriers. When someone with G6PD deficiency eats fava beans or is exposed to certain medications or infections, the lack of protective enzyme causes rapid destruction of red blood cells, leading to severe anemia, jaundice, dark urine, and potentially life-threatening complications.

Question 3

What is the best test for favism?

Accepted Answer

The Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Quantitative test is the most important test for favism because it directly measures the level of G6PD enzyme in your red blood cells. This blood test identifies whether you have the enzyme deficiency that causes favism before you experience a dangerous hemolytic crisis. The quantitative measurement provides precise enzyme levels, allowing doctors to determine the severity of the deficiency and guide recommendations about avoiding fava beans, certain antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, and other triggers that could cause red blood cell breakdown.

Question 4

When should I get tested for favism?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have Mediterranean, African, Middle Eastern, or Asian ancestry, as G6PD deficiency is more common in these populations. Testing is especially important if family members have been diagnosed with G6PD deficiency, if you experienced unexplained jaundice or anemia after eating fava beans or taking certain medications, or if you are planning pregnancy and want to know your carrier status. Newborns in high-risk populations should also be screened to prevent accidental exposure to triggers.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of favism?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of favism typically appear within 24 to 48 hours after eating fava beans or exposure to other triggers. You might notice sudden fatigue and weakness, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark or tea-colored urine, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, pale skin, back pain, and fever. In severe cases, the rapid destruction of red blood cells can lead to severe anemia requiring blood transfusion, kidney damage, or even life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.

Question 6

Who is at risk for favism?

Accepted Answer

People of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, African, and Southeast Asian descent are at highest risk for G6PD deficiency and favism. Males are more likely to have symptoms because the condition is X-linked, while females are usually carriers with milder symptoms or no symptoms at all. If you have family members with G6PD deficiency or a history of unexplained anemia or jaundice, you are at increased risk. The condition affects approximately 400 million people worldwide, making it one of the most common enzyme deficiencies.

Question 7

What happens if favism is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated favism can lead to severe and potentially fatal complications. The rapid breakdown of red blood cells causes acute hemolytic anemia, which deprives your organs of oxygen. This can result in kidney failure from the overwhelming amount of hemoglobin byproducts, severe jaundice requiring medical intervention, enlarged spleen, gallstones from chronic hemolysis, and in extreme cases, cardiovascular collapse or death. Without knowing you have G6PD deficiency, you might repeatedly expose yourself to triggers, causing cumulative damage to your kidneys and other organs over time.

Question 8

Can favism be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, favism is diagnosed with a blood test that measures G6PD enzyme levels in red blood cells. The Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Quantitative test is a simple blood draw that provides accurate results about your enzyme levels. Testing should ideally be done when you are healthy and not during or immediately after a hemolytic episode, as newly produced red blood cells may have higher enzyme levels and give falsely normal results. A complete blood count (CBC) may also be ordered during acute episodes to assess the extent of red blood cell destruction and anemia.

Question 9

How is favism treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for favism focuses on immediate management of hemolytic crisis and long-term prevention. During an acute episode, you may need hospitalization for intravenous fluids to protect your kidneys, blood transfusions if anemia is severe, and supportive care to manage symptoms. The most important long-term treatment is strict avoidance of triggers including fava beans, certain antibiotics (sulfonamides, nitrofurantoin), antimalarial drugs (primaquine), aspirin in high doses, naphthalene (mothballs), and certain foods and supplements. Your doctor will provide a comprehensive list of substances to avoid.

Question 10

How can I prevent favism?

Accepted Answer

Prevention of favism requires knowing your G6PD status through blood testing and then strictly avoiding triggers. Never eat fava beans or foods containing them, inform all healthcare providers about your G6PD deficiency before receiving any medications, avoid oxidative stress triggers like mothballs and henna, and carry a medical alert card or bracelet identifying your condition. Read medication labels carefully and check with your pharmacist before taking over-the-counter drugs. If you are a known carrier or have family history, consider genetic counseling before pregnancy to understand risks for your children.

Question 11

What can I do at home for favism?

Accepted Answer

At home, maintain a detailed list of all substances you must avoid and keep it readily accessible for emergencies. Stay well-hydrated, especially during infections or illness when oxidative stress naturally increases. Monitor yourself for early warning signs like dark urine or yellowing eyes, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear. Educate family members, caregivers, and school personnel about your condition and triggers. Keep your G6PD test results and a letter from your doctor explaining your condition with you when traveling. Join support groups to stay informed about newly identified triggers and management strategies.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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Favism Blood Test

What is Favism?

What causes favism?

What is the best test for favism?

When should I get tested for favism?

References

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