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Leucine aminopeptidase blood test
Serum leucine aminopeptidase
The leucine aminopeptidase test measures how much of this enzyme is in your 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 ...
Your urine can also be checked for this substance .
Substance
Leucine aminopeptidase is a type of protein called an enzyme. It is normally found in liver cells and cells of the small intestine. This test is us...
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 temporarily stop taking certain medicines that can affect the test. Drugs that can increase albumin levels include estrogen and progesterone.
Do not stop taking any of your medicines without talking to your provider first.
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
Leucine aminopeptidase is a type of protein called an enzyme . This enzyme is normally found in cells of the liver and small intestine.
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 ...
Your provider may order this test to check if your liver is damaged. Too much leucine aminopeptidase is released into your blood when you have a liver tumor or damage to your liver cells.
This test is not done very often. Other tests, such as gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase , are as accurate and easier to get.
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase
The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) blood test measures the level of the enzyme GGT in the blood.
Normal Results
Normal range is:
- Male: 80 to 200 U/mL
- Female: 75 to 185 U/mL
Normal value ranges may vary slightly. Some labs use different measurements or may test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
An abnormal result may be a sign of:
-
Bile flow from the liver is blocked (
cholestasis
)
Cholestasis
Cholestasis is any condition in which the flow of bile from the liver is slowed or blocked.
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Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.
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Hepatitis
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Liver cancer
- Liver ischemia (reduced blood flow to the liver)
-
Liver
necrosis
(death of liver tissue)
Necrosis
Necrosis is the death of body tissue. It occurs when too little blood flows to the tissue. This can be from injury, radiation, or chemicals. Necro...
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Liver tumor
Liver tumor
Hepatocellular carcinoma is cancer that starts in the liver.
ImageRead 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:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
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.
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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
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.
