The GGT test, also known as Gamma GT or gamma glutamil transferase, is usually requested to look for liver problems or biliary obstruction, because in these situations, the concentration of GGT is high.
The glutamil transferase range is an enzyme produced mainly in the pancreas, heart and liver, and can rise when one of these organs is compromised, such as pancreatitis, infarction and cirrhosis, for example. Therefore, to help diagnose liver and bile problems, your doctor typically requests your dose of TGO, TGP, bilibins and alkaline phosphatase, which is an enzyme also dosed to help diagnose liver problems and biliary obstruction. See what the alkaline phosphatase test is for.
- This test may be routinely requested by your family doctor or in case of suspected pancreatitis.
- For example.
- However.
- This test is best recommended in case of suspected cirrhosis.
- Fatty liver disease.
- Which is liver fat.
- And excessive alcohol consumption.
- The reference value varies by laboratory and is generally between 7 and 50 IU/L.
The values of this blood test should always be evaluated by a hepatologist or general practitioner, however, some changes are:
This usually indicates the presence of a liver problem, such as
However, it is not possible to know what the specific problem is and other tests such as CT or ultrasound are necessary, for example, in addition to other laboratory tests. Find out what tests your liver evaluates.
In some rarer cases, these values may also be changed due to non-liver-related diseases, such as heart failure, diabetes or pancreatitis.
The low GGT value is similar to normal and indicates that there are no changes in the liver or excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, for example.
However, if the GGT value is low, but the alkaline phosphatase value is high, for example, this may indicate bone problems, such as vitamin D deficiency or Paget’s disease, and it is important to perform more tests to assess this possibility.
The test should be done with a shell for at least 8 hours, as GGT levels may decrease after meals. In addition, alcoholic beverages should be avoided 24 hours before the test, as they may alter the result. Some medicines need to be discontinued because they may increase the concentration of this enzyme.
It is also important to report when an alcoholic beverage was last swallowed so that it can be taken into account when analyzing the result, since even if it was not within 24 hours of the test, there may still be an increase in GGT concentration.
This type of test is done when liver damage is suspected, especially when symptoms such as:
In some cases, this test may also be requested to evaluate people undergoing alcohol withdrawal treatment, because if they have been drinking alcohol in recent days, the values will be changed. Understand that other signs may indicate the onset of liver disease.