5'-Nucleotidase
5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT) is a protein produced by the liver. You can do a test to measure the amount of this protein in the blood.
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with a disinfectant (antiseptic). The doctor puts a rubber band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
The doctor then gently inserts a needle into the vein and blood collected in a vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed to restore circulation.
Once it has collected the blood sample, the needle is removed and covered the puncture site to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, you can use a tool called a lancet to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, a slide or test strip. Finally, you can place a bandage over the area if there is any bleeding.
If necessary, the doctor will instruct you to withhold drugs that may interfere with test results, including:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Halothane
Isoniazid
Methyldopa
Nitrofurantoin
What you feel during the examination
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Subsequently, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performed
Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of a liver problem. It is used primarily to determine whether the high level of protein is due to liver damage or injury of skeletal muscle.
The normal value is 2 to 17 units per liter.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
Significance of abnormal results
The higher than normal levels may indicate:
Cholestasis
Destruction of liver cells
Hepatitis
Hepatic ischemia
Liver tumor
Use of a medication that damages the liver
Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to another, why get a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
Excessive bleeding
Fainting or dizziness
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time there is skin breakdown)
5'-NT
See Also: AntiThrombin III
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