Which lab test is most indicative of recent excessive alcohol use?

Which lab test is most indicative of recent excessive alcohol use?

• A. Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase
• B. Alkaline Phosphatase
• C. Serum bilirubin
• D. Alanine aminotransferase

Answer: (A)

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) rises with recent heavy alcohol intake, making it the most sensitive indicator among the options for recent alcohol use. It’s induced by ethanol exposure in the liver, so elevated GGT is commonly seen after drinking episodes, whereas the other tests reflect more general liver function or injury rather than drinking history. Alkaline phosphatase can go up with bone disease or biliary obstruction; bilirubin indicates overall liver function and hemolysis but isn’t specific to alcohol; alanine aminotransferase rises with hepatocellular injury from many causes, not specifically alcohol. So, GGT best points to recent excessive drinking.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) rises with recent heavy alcohol intake, making it the most sensitive indicator among the options for recent alcohol use. It’s induced by ethanol exposure in the liver, so elevated GGT is commonly seen after drinking episodes, whereas the other tests reflect more general liver function or injury rather than drinking history. Alkaline phosphatase can go up with bone disease or biliary obstruction; bilirubin indicates overall liver function and hemolysis but isn’t specific to alcohol; alanine aminotransferase rises with hepatocellular injury from many causes, not specifically alcohol. So, GGT best points to recent excessive drinking.