Why Get Tested?
To differentiate between liver and bone disease as a cause for elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP); sometimes to help detect liver disease and/or alcohol abuse
When to Get Tested?
When you have symptoms of a liver disorder or as follow up when you have an increased ALP level. Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT) is an enzyme found in many tissues including the liver and kidneys. GGT is a valuable diagnostic marker that when elevated can indicate diseases of the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and biliary system (gallbladder / bile ducts.) Increased levels of GGT levels may also be caused by alcohol consumption.
A GGT blood test is often ordered with or as a follow up to other blood tests such as ALT, AST (also called SGOT), and bilirubin. AST and bilirubin measurements are included in the Basic Health Screening.