Triglycerides
Use
Evaluate turbid samples of blood, plasma, and serum; work up of chylomicronemia; evaluate hyperlipidemia; occasional cases of diabetes mellitus and/or pancreatitis are detected by hypertriglyceridemia. High levels may occur with hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndromes, carbohydrate-sensitive hypertriglyceridemia, glycogen storage disease, and in hyperlipoproteinemias type I, IIb, III, IV, and V. Some alcoholics have hypertriglyceridemia which disappears with abstinence. Extremely high triglyceride levels may occur with alcohol abuse. Triglyceride is needed for calculation of LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) concentration. Disturbances in triglyceride metabolism relate to diabetes and are a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease, but not an independent one.1
Special Instructions
High triglyceride levels can occur with conditions like hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndromes, and alcohol abuse. For accurate results, patients should fast overnight, with a preferred 12-hour fasting period before specimen collection. Specimens must be separated from cells within 45 minutes of collection and may remain at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen for specified durations.
Limitations
The test accuracy for calculating LDL using the NIH formula is affected when triglyceride levels exceed 800 mg/dL. Certain factors like estrogens, pregnancy, thiazide diuretics, and inadequate fasting can elevate triglyceride levels. Hypertriglyceridemia is connected to various conditions and drug effects that need careful interpretation in a clinical context.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2571-8
- 2571-8
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma.
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Patient Preparation
Patient should fast overnight (12 hours preferred; eight hours acceptable) preceding collection of specimen.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Specimen collected in a glycerinated tube; improper labeling
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |