Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase
Alternate Names : Gamma-GT, GGT, GGTP
Definition A test that measures the amount of the enzyme GGT in the blood.
Why is the Test Performed?
This test is used to detect diseases of the liver, bile ducts, and kidney; and to differentiate liver or bile duct (hepatobiliary) disorders from bone disease.
GGT participates in the transfer of amino acids across the cellular membrane and in glutathione metabolism. High concentrations are found in the liver, bile ducts, and the kidney.
GGT is measured in combination with other tests. In particular, ALP is increased in hepatobiliary disease and bone disease. GGT is elevated in hepatobiliary disease, but not in bone disease. So, a patient with an elevated ALP and a normal GGT probably has bone disease, not hepatobiliary disease.
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