Definition of Motulsky dye test

Motulsky dye test: A test for glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD), a cause of anemia and the most common enzyme defect known to be responsible for human disease.

Persons with G6PD deficiency develop anemia because of the breakup of their red blood cells. Depending on the degree of enzyme deficiency, the red cell destruction may occur all the time or only when the red blood cells are exposed to oxidant agents such as the antimalarial medication primaquine, the sulfonamide antibiotics or sulfones, naphthalene moth balls, or fava beans.

Named for its creator, the pioneering American medical geneticist Arno G. Motulsky.