GGT blood test: High, Low, Causes and Clinical Meaning


◉ Other names

◉ Why it is done?

The GGT blood test is often used as a marker of liver function and to help diagnose or monitor conditions that affect the liver. It is commonly performed to

◉ Preparation and blood sampling

No specific preparation is generally necessary before a GGT blood test. However, it is always advisable to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the laboratory where the test will be performed. These instructions may include:

◉ Normal GGT levels

Normal levels of GGT in blood may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and reference values used. However, in general:

Note

◉ High GGT levels

Elevated levels of GGT test have been reported in a wide range of clinical conditions, including liver and pancreatic diseases, myocardial infarction, renal failure, diabetes and alcoholism

In the case of liver diseases, gamma GT levels can be elevated in conditions such as:

Other causes of elevated GGT may include:

◉ Low levels of GGT

Low levels of GGT in the blood below 8 U/L in males and below 5 U/L in females may not necessarily indicate a specific medical condition or health concern. In some cases, low GGT levels can be considered normal and within the reference range.

However, if the GGT levels are consistently low and other liver function tests indicate abnormalities, it may be worth further investigation to determine the underlying cause some potential reasons for low GGT levels include:

◉ How to reduce a Gamma GT level that is too high?

◉ Additional tests

In addition to the GGT blood test, there are several other tests that can be done to evaluate liver function and assess liver health. These may include:


Sources

  1. Rivera, W. (2023). Diagnosing Liver Disease: Biopsy, Risks & Preparation. American Liver Foundation. https://liverfoundation.org/liver-diseases/diagnosing-liver-disease/#1503683241165-6d0a5a72-83a9
  2. Gamma Glutamyl Transferase is an enzyme increased in liver disease. (n.d.). http://www.clinlabnavigator.com/gamma-glutamyltransferase.html
  3. Hinkle J, Cheever K. Brunner & Suddarth's Handbook of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 2nd Ed, Kindle. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; c2014. Gamma Glutamyl Transferase; p. 314.