Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) – $30.00
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The Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) analysis involves a single evaluation with a single biomarker.
Overview:
The Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) evaluation quantifies the concentration of gamma glutamyl transferase enzyme in the bloodstream. Found predominantly in the liver, pancreatic ducts, and kidneys, GGT levels are indicative of hepatic health and functionality. This evaluation is a critical tool for identifying and overseeing hepatic disorders and ailments linked to the biliary tract.
Synonyms:
GGT Level Test, GGT Enzyme Assessment, Gamma-GT Enzyme Analysis, GGTP Enzyme Quantification, GTP Enzyme Evaluation
Procedure for Collection:
Venipuncture
Type of Sample:
Blood Serum
Pre-Test Requirements:
Fasting is not necessary.
Circumstances Prompting a GGT Level Evaluation
The Gamma Glutamyl Transferase measurement is utilized in various clinical scenarios:
- Liver Health Assessment: A GGT level determination is routinely included in liver function panels to gauge the state and efficiency of the liver, offering insight into hepatic enzymes crucial for diagnosing liver conditions.
- Monitoring Chronic Alcohol Consumption: Elevated GGT values can indicate excessive alcohol intake. The assessment aids in determining the extent of hepatic damage related to alcohol use.
- Detecting Hepatic Disorders: Employed as a diagnostic measure, the GGT test can help uncover hepatic ailments in those at an increased risk, including individuals with a history of substance abuse, elevated body weight, viral liver infections, or those on liver-impacting pharmaceuticals.
- Ongoing Liver Disease Management: For patients with confirmed hepatic issues like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or steatosis, the GGT evaluation is instrumental in tracking the progression of the disease, gauging the response to treatments, and observing liver function longitudinally.
Purpose of the GGT Blood Examination
The GGT blood test is designed to measure the presence of Gamma Glutamyl Transferase, an enzyme that is highly concentrated in the liver. This test is pivotal for:
- Assessing Enzyme Levels: The presence of GGT in the bloodstream is typically low, but levels can surge when liver damage occurs. GGT measurement is a crucial parameter in evaluating hepatic health.
- Bile Duct Function: GGT levels rise when there’s an obstruction in the bile ducts, making it a primary indicator for biliary obstructions. This enzyme’s elevation often precedes other liver enzymes in the bloodstream when bile flow is hindered.
- Diagnostic Utility: Although a rise in GGT levels can be linked to various liver disorders, it is not specific enough to single out a particular disease. Hence, GGT testing isn’t usually a standalone diagnostic tool but can complement other evaluations to pinpoint liver-related anomalies.
- Differential Diagnosis: The GGT test can aid in differentiating the source of elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. If both GGT and ALP are high, liver disease is more likely, whereas if only ALP is high, bone disease may be the cause.
- Alcohol Consumption Indicators: Even moderate alcohol intake can lead to increased GGT levels. It is more pronounced in chronic heavy drinkers compared to occasional or light drinkers. This makes the GGT test a useful tool in identifying chronic alcohol abuse.
Additional Tests Accompanying a GGT Analysis:
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
- Total Bilirubin
- Liver Panel
- Blood Alcohol Content (Ethanol)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Clinical Situations for GGT Evaluation:
Gamma Glutamyl Transferase measurement is crucial in the assessment and management of the following:
- Hepatic Conditions: Utilized in the detection, monitoring, and progression assessment of hepatic ailments such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and hepatic damage caused by pharmaceuticals.
- Alcohol Consumption Analysis: GGT levels serve as a biomarker for excessive alcohol intake, playing a role in evaluating the extent of liver damage due to alcohol misuse.
- Biliary Tract Complications: Elevated GGT is indicative of diseases that impinge on the biliary system like gallstone disease, cholestasis, or obstructions in the biliary ducts.
- Drug-Related Hepatic Impact: The test is also informative for identifying hepatic dysfunction as a result of certain medications or toxic substances, with elevated GGT indicating potential liver impairment.