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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

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