Test Code 102
Test Details
Triglycerides (TG)
Triglycerides are composed of three fatty acids attached to glycerol that function as fat storage (adipose tissue) or may be used for energy. Triglycerides are the primary lipid component in chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins but are also found in other lipoproteins.
Methodology
Enzymatic colorimetric
Patient Preparation
8-12 hour fast prior to collection. Patient may drink water only.
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)
Alternate Specimen
- 1.0 mL EDTA plasma (0.5 mL minimum) collected in plasma separator tube (Pearl Top)
- Dried Blood collected on an AdvanceDx 100 card
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 10 days
Lab Values
Triglycerides (TG)
| Age | Optimal | Borderline | Increased Risk |
| <10 yrs | <75 mg/dL | 75 – 99 mg/dL | >99 mg/dL |
| 10 – 19 | <90 mg/dL | 90 – 129 mg/dL | >129 mg/dL |
| >19 yrs | <150 mg/dL | 150 – 200 mg/dL | >200 mg/dL |
Clinical Significance
Triglycerides (TG)
- Elevated TG is a secondary risk factor for CVD.1-2
- Elevated levels increase CVD risk by altering lipoprotein metabolism. Elevated levels may:1-2
- Enhance the formation of small dense LDL particles.
- Contributes to low levels of large HDL particles.
References:
- Goff DC Jr, Lloyd-Jones DM, Bennett G, et al. 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2014;129(25 Suppl 2):S49-73.
- Stone NJ, Robinson J, Lichtenstein AH, et al. 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2014;129(25 Suppl 2):S49-73.
Treatment Options
Triglycerides (TG)
- Lifestyle modification
- Statins
- Niacin
- Fibrates
- Fish oil
