Affordable GGT testing in

A gamma-glutamyl transferase test measures the levels of the GGT enzyme in the blood. GGT is found in organs and tissues throughout the body but is most common in the liver. While experts do not have a definitive explanation for the role GGT plays in the body, high levels of the enzyme may indicate liver and bile duct-related disorders.

GGT tests are rarely performed to diagnose a liver condition. Rather, if you are exhibiting signs of liver problems, your doctor may order a GGT test as a preliminary screen for conditions such as:

• Liver cancer
  
• Viral hepatitis: an infection of the liver that causes inflammation and organ damage
  
• Biliary obstruction: A blockage of the bile ducts - the tubes that carry bile from the liver
  
• Bone disease
  
• Excessive alcohol use
  
• Pancreas problems (such as pancreatitis)
  

Exact symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of a liver condition, but common symptoms that may provoke a doctor to order a GGT test include:

• Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain or inflammation
• Nausea and vomiting

A GGT test may also be ordered after other tests of liver function (such as an alkaline phosphatase test) to diagnose liver damage or conditions.

Most blood tests are performed at a primary care office, often as a part of a routine check-up. If your doctor suspects that you may be experiencing symptoms of a liver condition, they may order that you take a GGT test to screen your enzyme levels.

If you are undergoing a GGT test in a primary care clinic, your blood will be drawn for testing. During your appointment, your arm will be wrapped in a band to push blood into the veins of the arm. This makes it easier to insert the needle that will be drawing blood from that area. You may feel a slight pinch as the needle is inserted into your arm, but this sensation should pass within a few seconds. The needle draws blood from a vein in your arm, depositing it into a vial or test tube. Some individuals or tests may require multiple tubes to be filled.

After the needed about of blood has been drawn, the needle will be taken out of your arm and the puncture site will be cleaned and bandaged. The blood will then be sent to a lab for testing and analysis.

You will get your results for most tests in 1-3 business days. Depending on the results of your blood test, your health care provider may request follow-up testing to provide a definitive diagnosis of any health conditions or diseases they may detect. GGT tests are rarely used to diagnose a liver condition, so it is likely that you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment for further testing.

GGT levels often correspond with liver damage. The more GGT is in the blood, the more significant liver damage is likely to be. High levels of GGT may indicate health conditions such as:

• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis (liver scarring)
• Liver cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart failure
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Acute alcohol abuse
• Medication usage (anti-seizure drugs, for instance, have been shown to increase levels of GGT)

High levels of GGT will not indicate the specific condition you may have. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order a follow-up alkaline phosphatase test (ALP) to measure the levels of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme in your blood. High levels of ALP and GGT indicate that your symptoms are related to a liver disorder and not a bone disorder. High levels of ALP and low levels of GGT indicate that your symptoms are related to a bone disorder and not a liver disorder.

Discuss your results with your doctor - as well as any medications you are taking or additional symptoms you are experiencing - to determine the most appropriate follow-up test for you.