gamma glutamyl transferase test

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase also known by these names – y – glutamyltransferase, GGT, gamma – GT, is transferase, meaning a form of enzyme, that catalyzes the gamma – glutamyl functional groups from molecules like glutathione to an acceptor, which can be an amino acid, a peptide or water forming glutamate. GGT is mainly found in the liver but, can also be found in the gallbladder, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. GGT is crucial to the gamma – glutamyl cycle, which is a pathway for the synthesis and degradation of glutathione and drug and xenobiotic detoxification. The GGT has also been found to exercise a pro – oxidant role at varied levels in the cellular signal transduction and cellular pathophysiology. 

Various liver or bile duct diseases lead to the elevation of the GGT levels in the bloodstream and as such GGT is used as a diagnostic marker and monitor alcohol abuse.

The gamma glutamyl transferase test (GGT Test) formerly known as gamma glutamyl transpeptidase Test is a test that measures the volume of gamma glutamyl transferase, GGT enzyme in the blood. The GGT test is one of the most sensitive enzymatic indicator of liver damage and disease.

The Gamma Glutamyl Transferase test is needed for ascertaining any liver disease or bile duct disease in the body . The GGT Test can also be used to differentiate between liver and bone diseases as the possible reason behind elevated alkaline phosphate (ALP). The Gamma GT Test is sometimes also used to monitor possible alcohol cases in individuals.

The Gamma – GGT test can be advised by a doctor when he suspects liver damage or liver disease in cases pertaining to alcohol abuse. The Gamma – GGT test is useful for monitoring GGT levels in people treated for alcohol hepatitis. Some of the symptoms of liver disorder are as follows;

• Low appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice
• Dark Urine
• Light – coloured faeces
• Itchy skin

The Gamma – GGT test requires the patient to not eat for 8 hours before the test and also avoid alcohol and certain medication, as advised by the doctor, as they can interfere with the accuracy of the test. 

The Gamma Glutamyl Transferase test is like a simple blood test, where the blood is drawn out from the veins of the forearm and the sample blood is sent for lab testing. 

The GGT normal range is said to be between 9 – 48 units per litre (U/L). The GGT normal range differs according to age and sex.

 The GGT test is effective in diagnosing liver damage but, is not sufficient to point out the exact cause of the liver damage, and as such in cases of elevated Gamma GT test results, the patient should be advised further tests to pinpoint the cause behind elevated Gamma GT level.

The Gamma –GT is measured in relation to another enzyme called alkaline phosphatase (ALP). If both ALP, GGT are found to be at elevated levels, it could signal to problems with the liver or the bile ducts and if GGT comes normal and ALP is elevated, this could be indicative of bone diseases. The GGT test is also used to rule out certain diseases. 

Few of the conditions that may be behind elevated GGT level are as follows;

• Alcohol abuse
• Chronic viral hepatitis
• Improper blood flow to the liver
• Liver tumour
• Cirrhosis
• Drug abuse
• Heart failure
• Diabetes
• Pancreatitis 
• Fatty liver disease

Gamma blood test accuracy is sensitive to alcohol, certain medications and smoking and these cases a retest is advised also use of certain medications should be temporarily suspended prior to taking the test. In cases of heavy drinkers, even if they have quit the Gamma GT levels might take around a month to fall back to normal. 

GGT Treatment involves lifestyle changes, dietary changes and medications for the disease that could be causing the elevation of the Gamma GT levels. 

Gamma blood test involves drawing blood sample, which can easily be collected from home, and helping you in this process is our superior at home Gamma blood test, wherein our representative phlebotomist would visit you at your home, at a time and day of your convenience. After that the Gamma blood test result would be made available for your convenience. So, if you need GGT test don’t harass yourself around the old conventional path. Labs and connect with us to get all kind of fully certified and highly reliable pathological tests done at your home.