All About Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT Blood Test)







What is a GGT Test?
A Gamma-glutamyl transferase test is a blood test conducted to check on the health of a liver. The liver consists of several forms of protein (also known as an enzyme) including GGT and if any damage is caused to the liver, the enzyme tends to leak and mix with the bloodstream. A health care provider conducts the GGT blood test to identify the levels of GGT in the veins. It is normal to find the enzyme mixed with the blood, but if it exceeds the normal level, it becomes a matter of concern as the bile duct and liver may be at risk.

What is the need for a GGT test?
A GGT blood test is one in the sequence of blood tests termed a liver panel. In this sequence, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin are also determined to recognize the exact condition of the liver.

The normal level of GGT in the body should be between 0 to 30 I/UL and if it increases, it is a clear sign of unhealthy liver that may require immediate attention to exempt any severe issues.

A GGT test may also assist in determining:

  • Bone health
  • Hepatitis
  • Pancreas issues
  • Symptoms of liver damage:
  • Jaundice
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Dark urine
  • Light color poop
What increases the GGT level?

  1. Alcohol consumption
  2. Red meat
  3. Phenytoin
  4. Phenobarbital

Points to remember before the test:

A doctor might ask the patient to fast for 8 hours, no consumption of alcohol, and/or to stop taking certain medications before the test.

GGT blood test result:
If the report indicates low levels of GGT in your veins, then the result is perfectly normal. However, if the test report manifests a high level of GGT, then it is a clear indication that the liver may be damaged and requires immediate medical assistance.

One of the following health problems might be causing the damage:

  • Hepatitis
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Cirrhosis
  • Diabetes
  • Pancreatitis
  • A side effect of any drug consumption
How is the test conducted?

Following the symptoms of poor liver health, the doctor will conduct a liver panel test to acknowledge the exact condition of the liver. Similar to any other blood test, the doctor will clean a small area with cotton and spirit and insert a clean injection into the arms to collect a small amount of blood sample which will be used to determine the test results.

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