Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Test (GGT) - Serum

A GGT test may be recommended when you display signs and symptoms of liver disease. Some of the most common symptoms of liver disease are

• Weakness, fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling in abdomen and abdominal pain
• Dark urine or light coloured stool
• Jaundice like symptoms

GGT test is also ordered for candidates who may be suspected of alcohol abuse or those who are undergoing treatment for alcohol recovery to monitor the effectiveness.

A GGT test is usually ordered along with other routine Liver function tests and sometimes along with ALP test – alkaline phosphatase test, an enzyme found in liver and bones.

• This test helps rule out liver disease or a bile duct disease
• It also helps to differentiate between liver and bone disease
• Also used to monitor alcohol abuse

GGT or Gamma Glutamyl Transferase is a common enzyme that is present in all organs but is found in the highest concentration in the liver. GGT is an extremely sensitive liver enzymes and therefore is very useful to detect liver problems and especially bile duct problems. The bile ducts carry the bile from liver to enzyme and any damage in bile ducts due to tumours or stones lead to an elevated GGT level. This damage to bile duct results in dark coloured urine or light-coloured stool. The GGT test is used along with other liver function tests for proper diagnosis of liver disorders if it is suspected. GGT levels are high when there is a chronic alcohol abuse.

The GGTP test is useful in the diagnosis of:
-Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, 
-Drug intoxication, or other liver diseases 
- Biliary Tract Disease

The test measures the levels of GGTP in the blood. 

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

High levels may occur due to damage to the liver or bile duct. This may occur in cases of cirrhosis, hepatitis, alcohol abuse, diabetes, pancreatitis or even certain drug toxicities. 

The GGT test, also known as the gamma-glutamyl transferase test, measures the level of the enzyme gamma GT in the blood. This enzyme is predominantly found in the liver but is also present in other tissues. The GGTP test helps diagnose and monitor liver and bile duct diseases, as well as assess the impact of alcohol use and certain medications on liver health.

The GGTP test, or gamma GT test, is an important diagnostic tool used in various clinical scenarios. It is recommended when symptoms of liver disease, such as jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain, are present, as these can indicate potential liver dysfunction. Additionally, the test is utilised to monitor liver health in individuals with a history of liver disease or those at risk due to factors such as excessive alcohol use or the use of certain medications that can adversely affect liver function. Moreover, the GGTP test is valuable in distinguishing between liver and bone diseases when other liver function tests yield abnormal results. This differentiation is crucial for determining the appropriate course of treatment. 

The GGT test is essential because it provides crucial information about liver health and bile duct function. It helps in early detection and monitoring of liver diseases, differentiation between liver and bone disorders, and assessment of the impact of alcohol use and medications on the liver. 

The normal range for gamma GT levels varies slightly among different laboratories but generally falls within 0 to 30 IU/L for adults, 7 to 47 U/L for males, and 5 to 25 U/L for females.

Anyone suspected of having liver or bile duct disease, those with symptoms indicative of liver issues (such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or fatigue), and individuals being monitored for alcohol use disorder or the effects of certain medications on the liver are eligible for the GGT test.

The benefits of the GGT blood test include early detection of liver and bile duct diseases, monitoring the progression of liver disease and adjusting treatment plans, differentiating between liver and bone disorders, screening for and monitoring chronic alcohol abuse, and assessing the impact of medications on liver health.

Fasting may be recommended, but it is not always necessary before the gamma GT or GGTP test. However, it is advised to inform your healthcare provider about any medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, and you may be asked not to eat or drink anything but water for 8 hours before the test. 

Yes, home sample collection for GGT test is available at some diagnostic centres, including Metropolis Healthcare. This convenient option enables individuals to have their samples collected from the comfort of their home, making the process more accessible and hassle-free for those who prefer not to visit to a lab in person. 

GGT test reports are typically available within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the time and day the sample is collected and processed.