The GGT test measures the enzyme gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase within the blood to evaluate whether there’s damage to the liver or bile duct tissue.
The purpose of the GGT test or “gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase test” is to diagnose liver problems. It consists in measuring the concentration of the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase within the blood. It tends to alter when the liver or bile ducts are in poor condition.
However, it is a non-specific parameter, because it also increases in some bone diseases or in alcoholics. Despite its non-specificity, it allows for early detection of many pathologies. In addition, it is an easy and cheap test. What is it exactly? Here are all the main points.
What does the GGT test consist of?
GGT test is to measure the extent of the enzyme gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase within the blood. According to Children’s health publication, this enzyme is produced in various parts of the body. However, the best synthesis occurs within the liver and gallbladder.
In the blood and other organs, levels are often minimal. Therefore, when a high concentration is observed, damage or disease may be suspected. In particular, the altered GGT test indicates that the enzyme can escape from the liver into the blood.
On the opposite hand, this warns that the liver or bile ducts are damaged. However, its levels are variable. For example, in infants, they are often highest right after birth. In addition, the upper the blood concentration, the more an individual has liver damage.
When is a GGT test mandatory?
The GGT test helps detect liver disease. It can be used to diagnose those pathologies that affect the gallbladder and bile ducts. In fact, it’s specifically used if there’s a suspicion of injury in consequence of ingestion of drugs or drugsresembling alcohol or certain drugs.
The test itself is indicated when symptoms characteristic of those pathologies appear. To give an example, jaundice, which is yellowish color of the skin and mucous membranes. It is attributable to the buildup of bilirubin that the liver cannot remove.
Other symptoms that will prompt this test include:
- Dark urine.
- Very pale stools (acholia).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Stomachache.
Damage to the liver or bile ducts
The GGT test can detect damage to the liver or bile ducts. The reason is that the extent of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is low increase first if the person has an obstruction in that area.
For this reason, it is taken into account probably the most sensitive tests in relation to biliary tract pathologies. It is an element of the so-called liver panel‘, which groups several tests that measure a very powerful liver enzymes (transaminases).
The most vital transaminases, other than GGT, If alanine aminotransferase (ALT) AND aspartate aminotransferase (AST). This test kit also includes alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. Each is more elevated in certain diseases.
However, as with the GGT test, they’re all non-specific parameters. Most importantly, if AST is high, it could be resulting from a bone or bile duct problem. In this case, if the GGT test is normal, the damage to the skeletal system is localized.
GGT test and chronic alcohol abuse
People who commonly drink alcohol often have an altered GGT test. The enzyme increases their blood levels. In fact, they’re higher in comparison with individuals who drink occasionally, but in larger amounts.
That’s why it Is test which helps distinguish between chronic and severe alcohol abusers. This is helpful if you ought to know if the patient remains to be drinking or has really stopped.
What does the test consist of?
The GGT test may be very easy to perform. According to San Diego Hospital publication, no prior preparation is required. However, it’s advisable to fast for at the very least 8 hours beforehand.
The doctor may give specific instructions for every patient. For example, it’s possible you’ll be asked to avoid certain drugs or alcohol before the test. The test is carried out by technicians by taking a blood sample. Therefore, wearing a short-sleeved shirt makes blood collection easier.
The very first thing to do is to wash the surface of the skin with an antiseptic. An elastic tourniquet is placed across the arm to assist find the vein. This allows the veins to swell with blood.
They then insert a needle and take a sample from contained in the elbow. They may also take it on the back of the hand and even the foot and collect it blood in a vial for transport to the laboratory.
After collecting the required amount, they pull the elastic band off the arm. They then apply pressure to the puncture site with absorbent cotton and withdraw the needle. They perform the GGT test within the laboratory from the blood they’ve previously obtained.
Obtaining results and risks
After the blood is drawn, the technician takes it to the lab and processes it within the machine. The results are fast, inside a couple of hours. But if there are changes, further testing can be mandatory.
It is usually A easy, protected and practical procedure. As with any blood test, some problems can arise. For example, a small hematoma may appear on the puncture site.
It can be possible that patients may feel dizzy and faint during blood sampling. Similarly, there could also be pain where the doctors have inserted the needle. However, these are self-limiting and minor negative effects.
Read why it is important to fast before your blood test
What do the outcomes mean?
The enzyme gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase is normally present in very low concentrations within the blood. It is normally between 0 and 30 international units per liter (IU/L). As now we have seen, you possibly can get it in a couple of hours.
The test is variable, based on Online lab test publication -if GGT levels are high or normal. When the concentration increases, it indicates the condition of the liver or bile ducts.
Moreover, the upper the concentration, the greater the damage. For example, it’s present in diseases resembling hepatitis and cirrhosis. However, this elevation may also occur in other pathologies. Here are a few of them:
- Metabolic Syndrome.
- Inflammation of the pancreas.
- Diabetes.
- heart failure.
- Toxic or drug abuse.
On the opposite hand, a standard GGT test often almost actually rules out liver disease. It also helps to know if someone has been drinking alcohol. The essential problem is that it’s possible you’ll need more testing because it is non-specific.
You may even decide to repeat the test at a distinct time if the parameters are on the limit. The reason is that the rise in the extent of this enzyme may be temporary. For example, when drinking alcohol.
Read why you mustn’t drink alcohol around children
What to recollect concerning the GGT test
The GGT test is a blood test that measures the degrees of the enzyme gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase within the liver and gallbladder. In the blood, physiologically, its levels are often almost undetectable.
Therefore, a rise in its concentration indicates damage to those organs. However, it is a very non-specific test. This often requires other additional research find the cause and a certain diagnosis.
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