Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a protein (enzyme) that
speeds up chemical reactions in the body. It is found mainly in the liver and
the bile ducts.
A blood test to measure GGT levels is done to
check for liver damage, especially damage caused by alcohol abuse. A GGT test
is usually done along with other tests (such as alanine aminotransferase, or
ALT) because it can't usually tell what disease is causing the liver
damage.
Gamma-glutamyl transferase is also called gamma-glutamyl
transpeptidase (GGTP).
Last Revised:
March 26, 2012
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Thomas M. Bailey, MD - Family Medicine