5-nucleotidase is a secretory enzyme of the liver, secreted into the bile by the cells of the liver parenchyma. Nucleotidase breaks down nucleotides into nucleosides and phosphoric acid and is found especially in muscles, liver and pancreas. It is a specific enzyme for liver diseases. The test is performed when bile stasis or liver cancer is suspected.
When do we perform the 5-nucleotidase test?
The most common indications for a nucleotidase test are listed below.
1. Suspicion of cholestasis.
2. Suspicion of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the liver.
3. Suspicion of liver cancer.
Nucleotidase – study
Material for the 5-nucleotidase test: serum.
Preparation for the test: on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours).
The course of the 5-nucleotidase test: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm.
Time to wait for the result: 1 Day.
Standard: 0,6-2,4 nmol/l/s.
Comments: Nucleotidase testing is rarely performed in clinical practice. The importance of 5-nucleotidase is similar to that of GGTP. It is a better indicator of bile stasis than alkaline phosphatase. Increased 5′-nucleotidase activity is observed in mechanical jaundice.