Gamma Glutamyl Transferase GGT
Category:
Gamma Glutamyl Transferase GGT
Description
Alternative name: Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, GGTP
GGT is an enzyme found in the liver and in low levels in the blood. When the liver is injured or obstructed, the GGT blood level rises. It is the most sensitive liver enzyme in detecting bile duct problems.
GGT test is used to detect liver and bile duct problems. Both ALP and GGT are elevated in disease of the bile ducts, but only ALP will be elevated in bone disease.
GGT can also be used to look for chronic alcohol abuse.
Its concentration is measured by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.
Purpose of the test
To meassure GGTP level in blood in order to investigate possible liver disease and/or alcohol abuse or to differentiate between liver and bone disease.
A doctor usually orders GGT in order to detect liver disease which symptoms can include : jaundice, nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, pruritus (severe itching), and fatigue.
GGT is usually not helpful in distinguishing between different causes of liver damage. Because of that, GGT is not advised in some cases.
In persons with a past history of alcohol abuse, GGT may be used to monitor compliance with the treatment program.
Reference range values
5 – 85 U/L
Abnormal findings
Low level only indicate that it is unlikely that a patient has liver disease.
Oral contraceptives can also decrease GGT levels.
High GGT levels ussually indicate a liver problem, but also can be due to congestive heart failure, alcohol consumption, and use of many prescription and non-prescription drugs including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), lipid-lowering drugs, antibiotics, histamine blockers, antifungal agents, seizure control medications, antidepressants, and hormones such as testosterone.
Smoking can also increase GGT.
GGT levels increase normaly with age in women (not in men), and are always somewhat higher in men than in women.
GGT is normally double in persons with African ancestry than in those of European ancestry.