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Laboratory Medicine

Test Directory / Gamma-glutamyltransferase

Gamma-glutamyltransferase

Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or lithium heparin

TestGamma-glutamyltransferase
Common AbbreviationsGGT
ProfileNA
Tube typeBrown clotted serum, gel barrier or lithium heparin
Clinical IndicationGGT is a sensitive indicator of liver disease but is of limited value in discriminating between different kinds of liver disease. It is more sensitive than ALP in detecting obstructive jaundice, cholangitis and cholecystitis. Measurement of GGT can help determine the origin of an elevated total ALP level. It is increased after exposure to enzyme inducing drugs, particularly ethanol and anti convulsant drugs such as phenytoin and phenobarbital.
Specimen TypeBlood
Sample typeSerum
Minimum Volume0.5mL If requesting more than 10 tests please send an additional brown clotted serum sample.
Special PrecautionsNo special requirements
Stability7 Days at 2-25°C
Turnaround TimeInpatient: 4 hours Outpatient/ GP: 24 hours
LaboratoryYork and Scarborough
Reference IntervalFemale: <38 IU/L Male: <55 IU/L (Quoted by the manufacturer)
LimitationsHaemolysed samples should not be tested. In very rare cases gammopathy, especially monoclonal IgM (Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia), may cause unreliable results.
Notes
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