Per DODI 6465.01, which conditions are screened in the laboratory studies for medical readiness?

• A. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and sickle cell trait
• B. HIV infection only
• C. DNA fingerprinting
• D. Visual acuity testing

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is which conditions are identified through the DoD’s laboratory screening for medical readiness. The two conditions included are G6PD deficiency and sickle cell trait. G6PD deficiency matters because red blood cells without this enzyme can undergo hemolysis when exposed to certain oxidative drugs or foods, posing a risk in demanding military environments. Sickle cell trait is screened because, although often asymptomatic, carriers can have rare complications under extreme dehydration, hypoxia, or high-stress conditions that could affect performance and safety in the field. The other options aren’t part of this standard laboratory readiness panel: HIV status isn’t a routine lab readiness screen, DNA fingerprinting isn’t a medical readiness test, and visual acuity testing is an eye/functional assessment rather than a laboratory study.