CPT Code(s):
82977
Specimen Requirements:
Type: Serum or plasma
Container/Tube: Serum gel or EDTA plasma
Sample Volume: Submit full tubes.
Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL serum or plasma
Preparation:
- Send specimens in their original tubes.
- Centrifuge tubes if there is a delay in transport of more than 1 hour.
Storage: Samples are stable for up to 30 days at 2 – 8ºC.
Unacceptable Conditions: Samples with moderate or marked hemolysis will be rejected.
Specimen Retention Time: 5 days
Use:
Gamma-glutamyltransferase measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases such as alcoholic cirrhosis and primary and secondary liver tumors.
Methodology:
This gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) procedure is a modification of the Szasz procedure. GGT catalyzes the transfer of the gamma-glutamyl group from the substrate, gamma-glutamyl-3-carboxy-4-nitroanilide, to glycylglycine, yielding 5-amino-2-nitrobenzoate. The change in absorbance at 410/480 nm is due to the formation of 5-amino-2-nitrobenzoate and is directly proportional to the GGT activity in the sample.
Reported:
Within 24 hours
Reference Values:
Adults: 9 - 64 U/L
Performed:
Monday - Friday