GGT is most sensitive in detecting hepatobiliary liver disease and therefore is a useful enzyme when interpreted alongside other elevated liver enzymes to determine if the origin is hepatic or not e.g. raised GGT and raised serum alkaline phosphatase level indicates cholestasis. GGT level can be elevated 2-3 times the upper reference value in more than 50% of patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

GGT levels are also elevated in hepatic carcinoma, liver metastases, chronic active hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, extrahepatic obstruction, intrahepatic cholestasis and inactive cirrhosis. There is no correlation between the numeric value and the severity of the disease.

Elevated levels of serum GGT have also been reported in several non-hepatic clinical conditions, including pancreatic disease, post-myocardial infarction, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus and secondary to enzyme-inducing medications (anticonvulsants, phenothiazides).

Please contact us for more information on the reference ranges used at Enfer Medical.