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Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
Test Code482X
CPT Codes
82977
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum collected in a red-top serum separator tube (SST)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Serum should be separated from the cells as soon as possible after visible clot formation (usually 15-30 minutes after collection)
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Plasma
Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)
Setup Schedule
A.M. Sets up 2 days a week.
Report Available
Reports in 2 days.
Clinical Significance
Elevated GGT is found in all forms of liver disease. Measurement of GGT is used in the diagnosis and treatment of alcoholic cirrhosis, as well as primary and secondary liver tumors. It is more sensitive than alkaline phosphatase, the transaminases, and leucine aminopeptidase in detecting obstructive jaundice, cholangitis, and cholecystitis. Normal levels of GGT are seen in skeletal diseases; thus, GGT in serum can be used to ascertain whether a disease, suggested by elevated alkaline phosphatase, is skeletal or hepatobiliary.
