You may have been a little worried when you saw a high value with three letters GGT on your blood report. You may be wondering, "What is this GGT? Why is it so high?" Don't worry. Today, we'll talk about what this GGT is, why this test is done, and what an elevated value actually means.
What is GGT?
Simply put, GGT, which stands for Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase, is a type of enzyme in our body. An enzyme is something that helps with chemical processes in our body. This GGT enzyme is mainly found in our liver . However, it can also be found in small amounts in other parts of the body besides the liver.
Its main function is to protect the cells in our body from damage. Think of GGT as little guards protecting our cells. When cells start to get damaged somewhere, these guards come running to protect them. So, an increase in the level of GGT in the blood means that there is damage somewhere in the body, and the GGT enzyme is working very hard to combat it.
What is the GGT blood test?
This is a very common test that takes a small sample of blood from your arm. Your doctor will order this test mainly to check for liver damage or if they suspect a blockage in your bile ducts . This test measures the amount of the GGT enzyme in your blood.
High GGT levels can indicate several health conditions that affect the liver, heart, or other organs. Alcohol use and certain medications can also cause GGT levels to rise.
But the most important thing is that you cannot definitively diagnose any disease by looking at the value of the GGT report alone. Doctors always use this GGT test in conjunction with several other tests that check liver function.
This GGT test is also called by several other names:
- Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase
- GGTP
- Gamma-GT
- GTP
Why would a doctor tell you to do a GGT test?
There may be several main reasons why your doctor may order this test.
If you have liver symptoms
If you are experiencing symptoms of liver disease, your doctor will definitely recommend this test.
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling extremely tired
- Appetite
In such cases, not only the GGT test, but several other tests that measure liver function are also done. These are the `ALT (Alanine Transaminase)`, `AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)`, `ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)` and `Bilirubin` tests. It is only when all of these reports come together that a complete picture can be formed.
If your ALP value is high
Imagine that only the `ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)` value in your blood report is elevated. There can be two reasons for the ALP value to be elevated. One is a problem with the liver or bile ducts. The other is a problem with the bones (bones).
Now the doctor wants to know if the cause is the liver or the bones. This is where the GGT test is very helpful.
- If both your ALP and GGT levels are elevated , the cause is likely a liver or bile duct problem.
- If only your ALP level is elevated and your GGT level is normal , the cause is most likely a bone-related problem.
Do you understand how important this test is?
If there is any suspicion of alcohol use
The GGT test is used to identify people who are heavy drinkers and to monitor their condition during treatment. When alcohol consumption damages the liver (alcoholic hepatitis), the GGT value increases significantly.
Do I need to prepare before the GGT test?
Yes, a little preparation is required before taking this test.
- Tell your doctor about the medications you are taking: Some medications you are taking can affect your GGT levels. So, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies. Never stop taking any medication unless your doctor tells you to.
- Avoid alcohol: Do not drink any type of alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test. Even a small amount of alcohol can increase your GGT levels, which can make the report less accurate.
What happens during the test?
This is a very simple process.
1. You will be seated in a chair, and a nurse or medical professional will select a good vein in your arm (usually on the inside of your elbow).
2. Clean the area with a cotton swab.
3. Then a small needle is inserted into the vein and some blood is drawn into a tube. At this time, you will feel a slight sting, like being bitten by an ant.
4. After the blood is drawn, the needle is removed, a piece of cotton is placed in the area and pressed down. Then a small plaster is applied.
This entire process takes less than five minutes.
What should the normal value of the GGT report be?
Normally, the GGT value should be less than 50 U/L (units per liter). However, this can vary slightly from lab to lab. Therefore, it is best to compare your value with the value stated on your report as either the 'Normal Range' or the 'Reference Range'.
Also, men's GGT levels are usually slightly higher than women's. These values can also change with age.
What does a high GGT level mean? Should I be worried?
First of all, don't panic when you see a high GGT level. An elevated GGT level is just a sign that you may have a condition or disease that is damaging your liver. It doesn't necessarily mean you have a specific disease.
The table below lists several reasons why GGT levels may be elevated.
| Possible causes | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Liver-related Causes | |
| Hepatitis | Liver swelling due to viral infections or alcoholism. |
| Cirrhosis | Scarring of the liver due to long-term damage. |
| Cholestasis | Blockage of bile flow from the liver. |
| Alcohol-induced liver disease | Liver damage due to excessive alcohol consumption. |
| Fatty Liver Disease | Fat deposition in liver cells. |
| Reduced blood supply to the liver (Liver Ischemia) | Lack of blood supply to the liver tissue. |
| Liver tumors or cancer | Abnormal cell growth in the liver. |
| Other Causes | |
| Alcohol addiction | Long-term heavy alcohol use. |
| Pancreatitis or cancer | Inflammation or cancer of the pancreas. |
| Diabetes | Inability to control blood sugar levels. |
| Congestive heart failure | The heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body. |
| Some medications | For example: Drugs like `Phenobarbital`, `Phenytoin`, `Warfarin`. |
| Smoking | Smoking can also cause elevated GGT levels. |
But remember again, just because your GGT is elevated doesn't mean you have this disease. Your doctor will make a conclusion based on this report, along with other blood tests, your symptoms, and your complete health history.
When should I talk to the doctor?
If you have any questions about why you were asked to take the GGT test or what your report means, be sure to ask your doctor.
It's common to search the internet when you see a change in a report. But since a test like GGT alone cannot diagnose a specific disease, searching like that will only cause unnecessary fear.
Only your doctor can best explain the true meaning of the values in your report and how they affect your health. He or she will advise you based on your complete situation.
Take-Home Message
- GGT is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. It is tested if liver damage or bile duct blockage is suspected.
- Don't panic if you see an elevated GGT level. It's just a sign of an illness, not a definitive diagnosis.
- Doctors always compare the GGT report with other liver tests such as ALT, AST, and ALP.
- Alcohol use, smoking, and some medications can also increase GGT levels. Do not drink alcohol before the test.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your report, talk to your doctor. That's where you'll get the most accurate information and guidance.
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