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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:
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Cholestasis
(when bile, which is made by the liver to help digest fats, is blocked from flowing out of the liver
Cholestasis
Cholestasis is any condition in which the flow of bile from the liver is slowed or blocked.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Destruction of liver cells
-
Hepatitis
(liver inflammation)
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Liver ischemia
(loss of blood and oxygen to the liver)
Liver ischemia
Hepatic ischemia is a condition in which the liver does not get enough blood or oxygen, causing injury to liver cells.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Liver tumor
Liver tumor
Hepatocellular carcinoma is cancer that starts in the liver.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - 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.
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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: 2/18/2015
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.
