GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)

Price: 5 د.ا

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme central to amino-acid transport and glutathione metabolism. It’s most concentrated in the liver but also found in the kidneys, pancreas, and intestines, where it supports detoxification and antioxidant defenses.

Why Measure GGT?

• Liver & Bile Duct Health: Elevated GGT often signals hepatobiliary injury—hepatitis, cirrhosis, or cholestasis.
• Alcohol-Related Damage: Chronic alcohol use raises GGT before other liver enzymes.
• Metabolic & Cardiac Link: High GGT can coincide with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease risk.

Normal vs. Abnormal Ranges

Typical reference: 9–48 U/L (may vary by lab)

• Mild Elevation (49–100 U/L): Early liver stress or moderate alcohol intake.
• Moderate Elevation (101–300 U/L): Active liver disease, biliary obstruction, or significant alcohol use.
• Severe Elevation (>300 U/L): Advanced liver pathology or acute bile-duct obstruction.

Clinical Implications

GGT Level Change	Common Causes	Possible Symptoms
High GGT	Liver disease, cholestasis, alcohol, metabolic syndrome, certain medications	Fatigue, nausea, jaundice, right-upper-quadrant discomfort
Low GGT	Rare; may reflect genetic variants or very low oxidative stress	Generally asymptomatic; potential vulnerability to toxins

Test Procedure & Preparation

1. Fasting: ≥ 8 hours recommended for accuracy
2. Sample: Single blood draw, often alongside ALT/ALP
3. Turnaround: 24–48 hours

Maintaining Healthy GGT Levels

• Limit Alcohol: Minimize or abstain to prevent enzyme induction
• Balanced Diet: Emphasize antioxidant-rich foods (berries, leafy greens, nuts)
• Avoid Toxins: Use medications judiciously; steer clear of unnecessary hepatotoxins
• Regular Exercise: Supports overall metabolic health

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What elevates GGT besides liver disease?
   – Alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and certain drugs (anticonvulsants, NSAIDs).
2. How can I lower my GGT?
   – Stop or cut back on alcohol, adopt a liver-friendly diet, exercise regularly, and address underlying conditions.
3. Does high GGT always mean disease?
   – Not always; mild rises can occur with medication use or transient stress—but warrant evaluation.
4. Can medications affect GGT levels?
   – Yes; drugs like phenytoin, barbiturates, and some NSAIDs may raise GGT.
5. Is fasting required for the GGT test?
   – Yes; an 8-hour fast helps ensure food intake doesn’t transiently alter enzyme levels.

---

Keeping GGT within the normal range is vital for liver and overall health. Regular monitoring—especially if you have risk factors—and lifestyle adjustments can both prevent and mitigate hepatobiliary disease.

Medical Laboratory Professionals’ primary duty is the patients, placing their welfare above their own needs and desires thus ensuring that each patient receives the best service and the highest quality of care according to current standards of practice. High quality laboratory services are safe, effective, efficient, timely, equitable, and patient-centered. Medical Laboratory Professionals work with all patients and samples without regard to disease state, ethnicity, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Medical Laboratory Professionals prevent and avoid conflicts of interest that undermine the best interests of patients. Learn More