What is a GGT blood test?
The Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase Test is a blood test that measures the amount of the enzyme, Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase or GGT in the blood. GGT is in several parts of the body, but it is in higher concentrations in the liver and gallbladder. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) levels are often evaluated along with GGT levels to determine if their is bone disease present. If both ALP and GGT levels are high, it is often a liver or bile duct problem, if ALP is high but GGT is low, it is an indicator of bone disease. The liver stores proteins, removes poisons and toxins out of the food you eat and creates bile that is later stored in the gallbladder.
GGT test are administered to expose any possible diseases within the gallbladder, liver and bile ducts. It is also used to spot any liver damage due to poisons including alcohol. The test is often administered to screen for alcohol abuse.
The blood test is usually performed by drawing blood from a vein in the arm using a tourniquet and syringe. The test can also be performed on infants by using a small needle on their heel. After the blood sample is taken, the blood is evaluated in a medical laboratory for high levels of GGT. If the levels of the enzyme are high, more testing will be needed to ensure there are no liver or gallbladder disorders.
The test will usually be performed if there are signs of liver problems. Some signals of liver disorders include nausea or vomiting, jaundice, swelling and tenderness around the abdominal area, severe itching and exhaustion.