Gamma-glutamyltransferase as a potential surrogate marker for detection of the non-A, non-B carrier state.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is currently widely used as a surrogate marker for detection of blood having a higher risk of transmission of non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANBH). Studies in the chimpanzee model, in which the NANBH carrier state is well defined, have revealed gamma-glutamyltransferase to be considerably more sensitive for the detection of NANBH carrier blood. Further study is required to determine whether this marker is also more sensitive for detection of the chronic NANBH carrier state in man.