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Test ID TRIG Triglycerides, Serum

Useful For

Evaluation of risk factors in individuals with elevated cholesterol values

 

Since cholesterol and triglycerides can vary independently, measurement of both is more meaningful than the measurement of cholesterol only.

Method Name

Enzymatic Colorimetric

Reporting Name

Triglycerides, S

Specimen Type

Serum

Container/Tube: 

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Fasting-overnight (12-14 hours)

2. Patient must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before the specimen is drawn.

3. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.

4. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.

Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request Form (T724) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/cardiovascular-request-form.pdf).

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  90 days

Clinical Information

Triglycerides are esters of the trihydric alcohol glycerol with 3 long-chain fatty acids. They are partly synthesized in the liver and partly derived from the diet.

 

Increased plasma triglyceride levels are indicative of a metabolic abnormality and, along with elevated cholesterol, are considered a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease. Hyperlipidemia may be inherited or be associated with biliary obstruction, diabetes mellitus, nephrotic syndrome, renal failure, or metabolic disorders related to endocrinopathies. Increased triglycerides may also be medication-induced (eg, prednisone).

Reference Values

The National Lipid Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) have set the following guidelines for lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and Non HDL cholesterol) in adults ages 18 and up:

TRIGLYCERIDES

Normal: <150 mg/dL

Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL

High: 200-499 mg/dL

Very high: ≥500 mg/dL

 

The Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents has set the following guidelines for lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol) in children ages 2 to 17:

TRIGLYCERIDES

2-9 years:

Acceptable: <75 mg/dL

Borderline high: 75-99 mg/dL

High: ≥100 mg/dL

10-17 years:

Acceptable: <90 mg/dL

Borderline high: 90-129 mg/dL

High: ≥130 mg/dL

Cautions

Result can be falsely decreased in patients with elevated levels of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI, a metabolite of acetaminophen), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and Metamizole.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Report Available

1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

84478

NY State Approved

Yes