GGT levels: what's normal, high and low
A liver enzyme that's especially sensitive to bile-flow problems and alcohol-related liver stress.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
GGT is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 8.00 – 61.0 U/L (male, age 18+; more bands below). At TestWell it's $19.99 all-in as GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase), results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- U/L / IU/L
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $19.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
GGT Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| Male, age 18+ | 8.00 – 61.0 U/L |
| Female, age 18+ | 8.00 – 36.0 U/L |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your GGT result may mean
Often reflects alcohol use, fatty liver, bile-flow obstruction, or certain medications.
What a high GGT means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a high GGT mean?
GGT is the most sensitive liver enzyme to alcohol and to medications that induce liver enzymes (anticonvulsants, some antidepressants), and it rises with fatty liver, bile-duct problems and obesity. On its own it is not specific — it also tracks metabolic risk — but paired with alkaline phosphatase it confirms a liver source, and paired with an AST-dominant pattern it supports alcohol-related liver disease.
Common causes of a high GGT
- Alcohol use (even moderate regular intake)
- Fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes
- Medications: phenytoin, carbamazepine, barbiturates, some antidepressants and statins
- Bile-duct disease, cholestasis
- Heart failure, pancreatitis
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Usually none
What clinicians usually check next
- Alcohol and medication review; repeat after 4 weeks of abstinence
- ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin
- Liver ultrasound if persistently high
Follow-up tests at TestWell: ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) ($18.99).
How much alcohol raises GGT?
Regular daily intake — even two drinks a day — can raise it; it typically falls within weeks of stopping. Persistent elevation despite abstinence needs a liver workup.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a GGT test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. GGT is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) | This marker only | $19.99 |
| Liver Health Panel | 4 tests | $59.99 |
| Fatty Liver Panel | 6 tests | $92.99 |
| Men's Health Advanced Panel | 22 tests | $299.99 |
| Total Body Essentials Panel | 39 tests | $399.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for GGT: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $19.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $20.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $20.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Frequently asked
What does a high GGT mean?
GGT is the most sensitive liver enzyme to alcohol and to medications that induce liver enzymes (anticonvulsants, some antidepressants), and it rises with fatty liver, bile-duct problems and obesity. On its own it is not specific — it also tracks metabolic risk — but paired with alkaline phosphatase it confirms a liver source, and paired with an AST-dominant pattern it supports alcohol-related liver disease.
How much alcohol raises GGT?
Regular daily intake — even two drinks a day — can raise it; it typically falls within weeks of stopping. Persistent elevation despite abstinence needs a liver workup.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my ggt?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get GGT results?
Most GGT results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a GGT test cost?
Our GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) starts at $19.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my GGT test?
Fasting is not required for the GGT test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my GGT test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
What can throw off a GGT result?
Alcohol and the night before (what you eat and drink) can change a GGT result without anything being wrong. Alcohol can raise GGT — abstain before the draw; tell the interpreting clinician. The night before (what you eat and drink) can raise GGT — no alcohol for several days before a liver panel. Each is explained on our physician-reviewed "Before your test" pages; when one applies, remove it and retest.
Ready to test your ggt?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $19.99.