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Triglycerides

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CPT/HCPCS 84478
Order Code CH190
Turnaround Time 24 hours
Test Includes

Triglycerides

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Source
Serum, Plasma
Transport Container
(Specimen Container)

SST (Tiger Top)/ Lithium Heparin/ Sodium Heparin

Preferred Specimens
Serum
Minimum Volume (uL)
.5 mL
Collection Instructions
(Transport Temperature)
Transport Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
Temperature Period
Room temperature 2 days
Refrigerated 7 days
Frozen > 1 year
Test Details
Methodology
 Glycerol Phosphate Oxidase
Clinical Significance

Triglycerides are a family of lipids absorbed from the diet and produced endogenously from carbohydrates and fatty acids. Measurement of triglyceride is important in the diagnosis and management of hyperlipidemia. These diseases can be genetic or secondary to other disorders including nephrosis, diabetes mellitus, and endocrine disturbances. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) cites evidence that triglycerides are an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Individuals with hypertension, obesity, and/or diabetes are at greater risk than are those without these conditions.

The Adult Treatment Panel of the NCEP recommends that all adults 20 years of age and over should have a fasting lipoprotein profile (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride) once every five years to screen for coronary heart disease risk.

Reference Ranges

<150 mg/dL