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5'-nucleotidase

5'-NT

 

5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT) is a protein produced by the liver. A test can be done to measure the amount of this protein in your blood.

How the Test is Performed

 

Blood is drawn from a vein. Most of the time, a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand is used. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.

Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

Your provider may tell you to stop taking some medicines that could interfere with the test. Drugs that may affect results include:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Halothane
  • Isoniazid
  • Methyldopa
  • Nitrofurantoin

 

How the Test Will Feel

 

You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of a liver problem. It is used mostly to tell if the high protein level is due to liver damage or skeletal muscle damage.

 

Normal Results

 

The normal value is 2 to 17 units per liter (0.034 to 0.29 microkat/L).

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

Greater than normal levels may indicate:

  • Cholestasis (when bile, which is made by the liver to help digest fats, is blocked from flowing out of the liver
  • Destruction of liver cells
  • Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
  • Liver ischemia (loss of blood and oxygen to the liver)
  • Liver tumor
  • Use of a liver-damaging drug

 

Risks

 

Slight from having blood drawn may include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling light-headed
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
  • Bruising

 

 

References

Pratt DS. Liver chemistry and function tests. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2010:chap 73.

 
  • Blood test - illustration

    Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

    Blood test

    illustration

    • Blood test - illustration

      Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

      Blood test

      illustration

    Tests for 5'-nucleotidase

     

     

    Review Date: 2/18/2015

    Reviewed By: Frank A. Greco, MD, PhD, Director, Biophysical Laboratory, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Hospital, Bedford, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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