GGT · high result
What does a high GGT mean?
Short answer
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.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for GGT?
- Male, age 18+: 8.00 – 61.0 U/L
- Female, age 18+: 8.00 – 36.0 U/L
Often reflects alcohol use, fatty liver, bile-flow obstruction, or certain medications.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: GGT biomarker page.
What are the common causes of 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
What symptoms go with high GGT?
- Usually none
What do 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 available at TestWell: ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) ($18.99).
How do you recheck GGT?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Health Panel | Panel · 4 tests | $59.99 | No | 2–5 business days |
| Men's Health Advanced Panel | Panel · 22 tests | $299.99 | Yes | 2–5 business days |
| Total Body Panel | Panel · 49 tests | $499.99 | Yes | 5–10 business days |
| GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) | Test | $19.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
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.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.