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Gamma Glutamyl Transferase
Overview
What is GGT?
A gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test measures the amount of GGT in the blood. GGT is an enzyme found in many organs throughout the body, with the highest concentrations found in the liver. In case of liver damage, GGT may leak into the bloodstream. High levels of GGT in the blood can be a sign of liver disease or damage to the bile ducts.
The GGT test is most often used to diagnose liver disease, check for blockage in the bile ducts, figure out if liver damage is due to liver disease or a bone disorder, and monitor disorders related to alcohol use. If the result of GGT is greater than normal, it can be a sign of liver damage due to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and diabetes.
GGT test is not very specific and is not useful in differentiating between various causes of liver damage, this test is used in conjugation with other tests like alkaline phosphatase.