- What the changed value means
- High glutamyl transferase range
- Low glutamyl transferase range
- How to prepare for the exam
- When to take the Gamma-GT exam
The GGT test, also known as Gamma GT or gamma glutamyl transferase, is usually requested to check for liver problems or biliary obstruction, since in these situations the GGT concentration is high.
The glutamyl transferase range is an enzyme produced in the pancreas, heart and liver, mainly, and may be elevated when any of these organs is compromised, such as pancreatitis, infarction and cirrhosis, for example. Thus, to assist in the diagnosis of liver and biliary problems, the doctor normally requests its dosage together with TGO, TGP, bilirubins and alkaline phosphatase, which is an enzyme also dosed to aid the diagnosis of liver problems and biliary obstruction. See what the alkaline phosphatase test is for.
This exam can be ordered as a routine exam by the general practitioner or when pancreatitis is suspected, for example. However, this test is more recommended in cases of suspected cirrhosis, fatty liver, which is fat in the liver, and excessive alcohol use. The reference value varies according to the laboratory and is usually between 7 and 50 IU / L.
What the changed value means
The values of this blood test must always be evaluated by a hepatologist or general practitioner, however, some changes are:
High glutamyl transferase range
This situation usually indicates the presence of a liver problem, such as:
- Chronic viral hepatitis; Decreased blood circulation to the liver; Liver tumor; Cirrhosis; Excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs.
However, it is not possible to know what the specific problem is, and it is necessary to do other tests such as computed tomography or ultrasound, for example, in addition to other laboratory tests. Find out which tests assess the liver.
In some rarer cases, these values may also be altered due to diseases not related to the liver, such as heart failure, diabetes or pancreatitis.
Low glutamyl transferase range
The low GGT value is similar to the normal value and indicates that there is no change 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, it may indicate bone problems, such as vitamin D deficiency or Paget's disease, and it is important to do more tests to assess this possibility.
How to prepare for the exam
The test should be done fasting 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 drugs must be discontinued, as they can increase the concentration of this enzyme.
It is also important to communicate when it was the last time that alcoholic beverage was ingested so that it can be considered when analyzing the result, because even if it was not in the 24 hours prior to the exam, there may still be an increase in the concentration of GGT.
When to take the Gamma-GT exam
This type of examination is done when liver damage is suspected, especially when symptoms such as:
- Marked decrease in appetite; Vomiting and nausea; Lack of energy; Abdominal pain; Yellow skin and eyes; Dark urine; Light stools, like putty; Itchy skin.
In some cases, this test may also be asked to assess people who are undergoing alcohol withdrawal therapy, as if they have drunk alcohol in the past few days, the values will be changed. Understand that other signs may indicate the onset of liver disease.
