Triglycerides

Introduction

Triglycerides are produced from the digestion and breakdown of fats in foods, as well as from the breakdown of other energy sources, such as carbohydrates. Triglycerides can be used as an immediate energy source or be stored for later use. Elevated triglycerides are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, and pancreatitis.

Pricing

$49

How to order a test

What is Included?

Measurement of triglyceride levels in a blood sample by glycerol phosphate oxidase methodology.

Turnaround Time

1 – 3 business days
The turnaround time is not guaranteed. The average turnaround time is 1 – 3 business days from the date that the sample arrives at the laboratory. Shipping time for the sample is not included. Additional time is required if the case requires confirmatory or reflex testing, or if the sample is insufficient, or if a recollection is required.

Related Documents

Special Instructions

Maintenance of a stable diet for 2 weeks and fasting for 12 – 14 hours prior to specimen collection is required for accurate results.

Additional Information and Resources

» There are such things as good fats!

Preparation Before Specimen Collection

• Maintain a stable diet for 2 weeks before specimen collection.
• Fast for 8 – 12 hours before specimen collection.
• Do not consume any alcohol in the 24 hours prior to collecting your sample for this test.

Specimen Type

Blood

Volume

50 μL in a microtainer

Container

Microtainer (regular blood tube)

Collection Method

This test requires a blood sample from a finger prick. All supplies for sample collection are provided in the kit.

1. First wash and dry hands. Warm hands aid in blood collection.
2. Clean the finger prick site with the alcohol swab and allow to air dry.
3. Use the provided lancet to puncture the skin in one quick, continuous and deliberate stroke.
4. Wipe away the first drop of blood.
5. Massage hand and finger to increase blood flow to the puncture site. Angle arm and hand downwards to facilitate blood collection on the fingertip.
6. Drip blood into the microtainer tube.
7. Dispose of all sharps safely and return sample to the laboratory in the provided prepaid return shipping envelope.

NOTES: Avoid squeezing or ‘milking’ the finger excessively. If more blood is required and blood flow stops, perform a second skin puncture on another finger. Do not touch the fingertip.

Specimen Storage

Maintain specimen at temperatures between 2°C and 30°C during storage and transport.

Specimen Stability

Blood samples can be refrigerated or kept at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Causes for Rejection

• Incorrect or incomplete patient identification
• Incorrect specimen collection
• Inappropriate storage and transport conditions
• Incorrect specimen volume

Purpose

To measure triglyceride levels in a blood sample for the evaluation of cardiac health, hyperlipidemia, diabetes risk, glycogen storage disease and other health complications.

Limitations

• This report is not intended for use in medico-legal applications. 
• These results should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical information.
• Correct specimen collection and handling is required for optimal assay performance. 
• Interferences from medication or endogenous substances may affect results.
• Females taking estrogens or high estrogen oral contraceptives may have increased triglyceride levels.
• Triglycerides may be elevated during pregnancy.

Methodology

Glycerol phosphate oxidase (Alinity c Triglyceride assay)

Reference Intervals

These ranges were obtained from the Alinity c Triglyceride package insert, which follow recommendations from the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III Report.