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Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) blood test
Gamma-GT; GGTP; GGT
The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) blood test measures the level of the enzyme GGT in the blood.
Enzyme
Enzymes are complex proteins that cause a specific chemical change in all parts of the body. For example, they can help break down the foods we eat ...
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
Blood sample
Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.
How to Prepare for the Test
The health care provider may tell you to stop taking medicines that can affect the test.
Drugs that can increase GGT level include:
- Alcohol
- Phenytoin
- Phenobarbital
Drugs that can decrease GGT level include:
- Birth control pills
- Clofibrate
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
GGT is an enzyme found in high level in the liver, kidney, pancreas, heart, and brain. It is also found in lesser amount in other tissues. An enzyme is a protein that causes a specific chemical change in the body.
This test is used to detect diseases of the liver or bile ducts. It is also done with other tests (such as the ALT , AST , ALP , and bilirubin tests) to tell the difference between liver or bile duct disorders and bone disease.
Bile
Bile is a fluid that is made and released by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps with digestion. It breaks down fats into fatty acid...
ALT
The alanine transaminase (ALT) blood test measures the level of the enzyme ALT in the blood.
AST
The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) blood test measures the level of the enzyme AST in the blood.
ALP
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone. A blo...
Bilirubin
The bilirubin blood test measures the level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. Bi...
It may also be done to screen for or monitor alcohol use.
Normal Results
The normal range for adults is 8 to 65 U/L.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
An increased GGT level may be due to any of the following:
- Alcohol use
- Diabetes
-
Flow of bile from the liver is blocked (
cholestasis
)
Cholestasis
Cholestasis is any condition in which the flow of bile from the liver is slowed or blocked.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Heart failure
Heart failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Swollen and inflamed liver ( hepatitis )
- Lack of blood flow to the liver
- Death of liver tissue
- Liver cancer or tumor
- Lung disease
- Pancreas disease
-
Scarring of the liver (
cirrhosis
)
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Use of drugs that are toxic to the liver
Risks
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Bleeding from where the needle was inserted
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood collecting under the skin)
- Infection (rare)
References
Pincus MR, Tierno PM, Fenelus M, Bowne WB, Bluth MH. Evaluation of liver function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 21.
Pratt DS. Liver chemistry and function tests. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 73.
Review Date: 2/8/2015
Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
