Test Name: Gamma GT, Serum
Specimen Type: Serum
Specimen Required: 3-5 Cc Yellow Top Gel Vial
Day Performed: Daily
Reporting Time: 8 Hours STAT Reporting Time: 120 MINUTES
Methodology: Beckman Coulter AU480
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
GGT is used to detect diseases of the liver or bile ducts. It may also be done to screen for, or monitor, alcohol use.
An increased GGT level may be due to any of the following:
- Alcohol usage
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Flow of bile from the liver is blocked (cholestasis)
- Heart failure
- Lack of blood flow to the liver (liver ischemia)
- Liver tissue damage
- Liver cancer or tumor
- Lung disease
- Pancreas disease
- Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis)
- Swollen and inflamed liver (hepatitis)
- Use of drugs that are toxic to the liver
The finding of normal GGT levels and increased ALP levels is consistent with skeletal disease.
References:
- Daniels L, Khalili M, Goldstein E, Bluth MH, Bowne WB, Pincus MR. Evaluation of liver function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022: chap 22.
- Pratt DS. Liver chemistry and function tests. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fortran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021: chap 73.