Gamma-Glutamyltransferase

Test Code

GGT

Alias/See Also

Gamma-Glutamyl Transpepsidase

CPT Codes
82977

Preferred Specimen

Serum (gold top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Container

Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 7 days; Refrigeration - 7 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Quantity Not Sufficient, IV contamination

Methodology
Colorimetric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Reference Range

Female: 12 - 43 U/L
Male: 15 - 73 U/L

Clinical Significance

?-Glutamyltransferase plays a major role in glutathione metabolism and in resorption of amino acids from the glomerular filtrate. It is also important in the absorption of amino acids from the intestinal lumen. GGT is found mainly in the liver, pancreas, and kidney, although lower activities can be demonstrated in most other organs. Serum GGT is a sensitive indicator of hepatobiliary disease and is useful in the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice and chronic alcoholic liver disease, in the follow-up of chronic alcoholics undergoing treatment, and in the detection of hepatotoxicity. GGT is more responsive to biliary obstruction than AST, ALT, or ALKP. GGT is also increased in hepatoma, carcinoma of the pancreas, and carcinoma metastatic to the liver.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.