Test Code LAB4204 TRIGLYCERIDES
Additional Codes
Labcorp 001172
Specimen Type
Preferred Sample: Lithium Heparin Plasma (Mint Green Top, Dark Green Top)
Alternative Sample: Serum (SST, Gold, Corvac, Tiger, Red Top Tube)
Specimen Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Turnaround Time
STAT: 1 hour
Routine: 4 hours
Sample Stability
Room Temp: 2 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: >1 year
Method
Enzymatic
Reference Ranges
Triglycerides, mg/dL (fasting)
| 0 to 15 Days | 82 - 259 mg/dL |
| 15 Days to 1 Year | 53 - 258 mg/dL |
| 1 to 19 Years | 44 - 197 mg/dL |
| >19 Years (fasting) | Less than 150 mg/dL |
* No normals ranges established for non-fasting specimens.
Reporting Limit
Measuring Range: 7 - 1420 mg/dL
Reporting Limits: 7 - 5680 mg/dL (1:4 dilution)
CPT Code
84478
Collection Instructions
Patient should be fasting for 12-14 hours
Specimen Processing
Do not perform test on an ultracentrifuged specimen.
Clinical Information
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 a greater risk than those without these conditions. The Adult Treatment Panel of the NCEP recommends that all adults 20 years of age and over should obtain a fasting lipoprotein profile once every five years to screen for coronary heart disease.