After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes. There is very little risk to having a blood test.
You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. If your results show higher than normal levels of GGT, it may be a sign of liver damage.
The damage may be due to one of the following conditions:. The results can't show which condition you have, but it can help show how much liver damage you have.
Usually, the higher the level of GGT, the greater the level of damage to the liver. If your results show you have low or normal levels of GGT, it means you probably don't have liver disease. Your results may also be compared with the results of an ALP test.
ALP tests help diagnose bone disorders. Together your results may show one of the following:. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. These include:. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. In the GGT gamma-glutamyl transferase test, a healthcare professional measures the levels of GGT in a sample of blood.
High levels of GGT in the blood can indicate damage to the liver or bile ducts. Normal ranges suggest that there is no liver damage. This article looks at the purpose and procedure of the GGT test, normal GGT ranges, and what abnormal ranges can mean. The liver contains the highest levels of GGT, while the blood and some other organs contain minimal quantities.
High levels of GGT in the blood could indicate that the enzyme is leaking out of the liver cells and into the blood, suggesting damage to the liver or bile ducts. Newborn infants will have significantly higher levels right after birth. A person with a normal GGT test probably does not have liver disease. When someone who is in treatment for alcohol use disorder has a normal reading, this likely means that they have not had an alcoholic drink recently.
High GGT levels indicate that something is damaging the liver, though it does not diagnose the specific problem. A person will often need follow-up tests to find out the reasons for the elevated GGT levels.
A doctor may order a GGT test as part of regular blood testing during a yearly physical examination, if a person is taking a medication that has potentially toxic effects on the liver, or if someone has symptoms of liver disease. GGT levels may increase for many reasons, so a doctor will usually use the GGT test in conjunction with other tests for diagnosis. GGT levels are usually the first to rise when a person has a bile duct obstruction, making this the most sensitive liver enzyme test for detecting problems with the bile duct.
The GGT test is also part of a series of tests known as a liver panel, which checks the levels of other liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase ALT , aspartate aminotransferase AST , alkaline phosphatase ALP , and bilirubin. Bone disease and liver or bile duct disease can lead to elevated ALP levels. Having a GGT test can distinguish between the two: a normal GGT level likely indicates a bone issue, while a high GGT level may signal a problem with the liver or bile ducts.
GGT levels tend to be higher in people who regularly drink heavily compared with people who drink in moderation or only drink heavily on occasion. Because of this, a doctor may measure GGT levels to test for acute or chronic alcohol abuse.
Doctors may use the test to monitor alcohol use in someone who is receiving treatment for alcohol abuse disorder or hepatitis due to chronic alcohol use.
During the test, the healthcare professional will tie a band around the upper arm, clean the inner elbow thoroughly with an alcohol pad, and insert a small needle into the skin. They will collect a small tube of blood. Written by. Medically reviewed by Javier Muga Bustamante Ph.
What is high GGT level in the blood called? What is the normal level of GGT in the blood? What does a high GGT level in the blood mean? Which factors can raise GGT blood levels? Which diseases can raise your GGT level in the blood? What can I do to lower GGT level in the blood? Which values are considered a high GGT level in the blood? High values of GGT in the blood can be seen in case of bile duct obstruction.
If your GGT level in the blood is slightly high, you should keep in mind the following tips: Reduce alcohol intake. The GGT level is sensible to alcohol consumption. If you cut down on your alcohol intake the GGT level will be reduced. Give up smoking: It is good for your health and can reduce the GGT level. Weight loss and do regular physical activity. Overweight contribute to increase the GGT level in the blood.
GGT Gamma Glutamyltransferase. Ramnik Sood. ISBN: Thomas L. Gamma glutamyltransferase GGT. In:Thomas L, ed.
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