American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

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Which of the following lab tests can be used to detect chronic alcohol abuse?

Red blood cell count

White blood cell (WBC) count

γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)

The γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) test is a useful marker for detecting chronic alcohol abuse due to its sensitivity to alcohol consumption. GGT is an enzyme found in various tissues, primarily the liver, and its levels can increase significantly with alcohol intake.

When a person engages in chronic alcohol consumption, it can lead to liver damage and an increase in liver enzymes, including GGT. Elevated GGT levels can indicate the potential for liver toxicity resulting from long-term alcohol use. Therefore, measuring GGT can assist healthcare professionals in identifying individuals who might be abusing alcohol or are at risk for alcohol-related liver diseases.

In contrast, while red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and creatine phosphokinase can provide valuable information about a person's overall health and various conditions, they are not specific indicators of chronic alcohol abuse.

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Creatine phosphokinase

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