5'-nucleotidase
5'-NT5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT) is an enzyme (a type of protein) produced by the liver. A test can be done to measure the amount of this protein in your blood.
How the Test is Performed
Blood is drawn from a vein. You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Blood is drawn from a vein
Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.
How to Prepare for the Test
Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking some medicines that could interfere with the test. Medicines that may affect results include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Halothane
- Isoniazid
- Methyldopa
- Nitrofurantoin
Why the Test is Performed
Your provider may order this test if you have blood test results that may be due to a liver problem. It is used mostly to tell if the blood test results are due to liver damage or skeletal muscle damage.
Normal Results
The normal value is 2 to 15 IU/L.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Greater than normal levels may indicate:
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Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver and poor liver function)
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.
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Cholestasis (flow of bile from the liver is blocked)
Cholestasis
Cholestasis is any condition in which the flow of bile from the liver is slowed or blocked.
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Hepatitis (inflamed liver)
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.
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- Liver ischemia (reduced blood flow to the liver)
- Liver necrosis (death of liver tissue)
- Lung disease
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Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is cancer that starts in the ovaries. The ovaries are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs.
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Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
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Risks
Slight risks from having blood drawn may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
- Bruising
References
Pincus MR, Carty RP. Clinical enzymology. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 21.
Pratt DS. Liver chemistry and function tests. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 73.
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Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
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Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
Review Date: 1/30/2025
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Gastroenterologist, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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