The GGT (or GGTP) test is a very sensitive enzyme for the detection of early liver disease or damage. It also is an inducible enzyme, meaning that it will rise when the liver is busy metabolizing some types of drugs or toxins (like alcohol).Many impairments may cause elevations in one or more of the liver enzymes, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, excess alcohol use, liver cancer or metastases, as well as certain medications such as Dilantin, phenobarbital, allopurinol, and many others.
Underwriting for Elevated Liver Function Tests (ELFTs)The primary questions to be asked of a proposed insured that presents with this history are:
- How long has the proposed insured had elevated liver functions?...or is it a new finding?
- Was the elevated testing done by their doctor or insurance exam labs?
- How elevated are the tests? 1X normal?...2X normal?... more than 3X?
- Has there been a positive alcohol marker test?...if so, what is the drinking history?
- Has there been testing done for hepatitis?... ultrasound?.... biopsy?
- Is there a known cause of the elevations?...has a doctor reviewed the elevated labs?
We do have several carriers that are more aggressive than others and will allow slight increases, even in the Preferred Best type categories.