What Is a GGTP Blood Test?
If your doctor suspects that you have a disorder of the liver or pancreas, he may send you to the lab for a blood test. Blood will be drawn at the vein using a needle with an attached, airtight vile. After the blood is collected, a technician will determine your blood cell values and report back to your physician. Diseases that are associated with the liver, pancreas or bile ducts will often show higher values of GGTP on your blood test paperwork. Depending on your circumstances, your physician will create a medical management plan.
What Does GGTP Stand For?
GGTP is a protein molecule that is produced in the bile duct. GGTP is the abbreviation for Gamma-Glutamyltranserase, which is an essential component in the transportation of amino acids to waiting cells.
Increased Levels of GGTP in a Blood Test
Increased levels of GGTP are often associated with systemic lupus, hyperthyroidism and cirrhosis of the liver. GGTP levels may also be elevated in a patient that is infected with mononucleosis or carcinoma of the pancreas.
Decreased Levels of GGTP in a Blood Test
Blood test results that show decreased levels of GGTP can signal a deficiency. Dicken Weatherby is the author of the book "Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis" which details the findings of GGTP levels in random blood work. According to Weatherby, a decreased GGTP value is indicative of malabsorption, kidney failure, protein deficiency and hypothyroidism. These findings can be corroborated by a number of symptoms that include cravings for chocolate, muscle aches, constipation and cardiac arrhythmia.
Cholestasis
Cholestasis is often seen in diseases that are associated with the bile ducts, liver and pancreas. Cholestasis is denoted by a decrease or complete stopping of the flow of bile. Obstruction usually occurs between the liver and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum) and causes an overflow of waste (bilirubin) into the blood stream. Patients who have the cholestasis disorder may have increased GGTP levels upwards of ten times the average of patient's without cholestasis.
Fatty Liver
When fatty acids and triglycerides make themselves at home in the liver in large quantities the condition is referred to as "hepatic steatosis" or fatty liver. The condition can be found in alcoholics and non-alcoholics and is often associated with pregnancy, obesity When a blood test shows higher than normal GGTP levels, it can be a clear indication that the fatty liver disease has been caused by alcohol abuse, according to and metabolic syndrome.
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