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Liver
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
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A membrane enzyme of biliary epithelium, kidney, pancreas and liver, sensitive to cholestasis and to enzyme induction by alcohol and drugs. It is not found in bone, which makes it useful to confirm a hepatic source of a raised ALP.
Reference interval
| Conventional (U/L) | SI (U/L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Men | 9–50 U/L | 9–50 U/L |
| Women | 8–40 U/L | 8–40 U/L |
Specimen: Serum or heparinised plasma · Conventional × 1 = SI
Causes of high values
Cholestasis and biliary obstruction, chronic alcohol use, enzyme-inducing drugs (for example anticonvulsants), fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, pancreatic disease, congestive heart failure.
Causes of low values
Not clinically significant. Slightly lower values may occur with oestrogen-containing contraceptives and clofibrate-type drugs.
Pre-analytical and method notes
Males have higher values than females, and a single mildly raised result is non-specific because many drugs and alcohol induce the enzyme. The upper limit also varies with body weight and measurement temperature. Reference intervals vary by laboratory, method and population; use the interval printed on the report.
References
- Rifai N, Horvath AR, Wittwer CT. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. Elsevier, 6th edition (2018) — Tier 3 (textbook)
- McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. Elsevier — Tier 3 (textbook)
- Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. Elsevier, 11th edition (2020) — Tier 3 (textbook)
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