Triglycerides

TRIG

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB134

Department

Chemistry

Instructions

It is recommended that the patient fast for 9-12 hours prior to blood draw.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Gold-top SST tube. (Minimum Whole Blood 4.0 mL)

Contact the Laboratory for the acceptability of other tube types.
See Minimum Pediatric Specimen Requirements for Microtainer^® collection.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let SST specimens clot for 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the centrifuged SST tube within two hours of collection. (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Centrifuged SST tube refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Moderate to grossly hemolyzed specimens.
• Red-top tubes with serum not separated from cells within two hours of collection. 

In-Lab Processing

Let SST specimens clot 30-60 minutes. Centrifuge SST tubes or Microtainers^® to separate serum from cells. Deliver immediately to the appropriate testing station.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Centrifuged SST Tubes and Microtainers^® with Separator Gel
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Red-top Tubes and Microtainers^® without Separator Gel
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 7 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 5 days

Laboratory

Dearborn Chemistry Laboratory
Farmington Hills Chemistry Laboratory 
Grosse Pointe Chemistry Laboratory 
Royal Oak Automated Chemistry Laboratory 
Troy Chemistry Laboratory

Performed

Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day.
Results available within 4 hours.

Reference Range

Age	Reference	Range
18 Years – Adult	Normal	<150 mg/dL
	Borderline High	150 – 199 mg/dL
	High	200 – 499 mg/dL
	Very High	> 500 mg/dL
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

Test Methodology

Enzymatic, Spectrophotometry.

Interpretation

Triglycerides in blood are present in chylomicrons and very low-density lipoprotein particles. Chylomicrons should not be seen in normal fasting serum/plasma. A triglyceride level > 1000 mg/dL may lead to pancreatitis.

Glycerol results in positive assay interference.

Clinical Utility

Triglyceride measurements aid in the diagnosis and management of patients with primary and secondary lipid disorders (e.g., diabetes mellitus, renal disease, liver obstruction, hypothyroidism).

CPT Codes

84478

Contacts

Last Updated

8/4/2025