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HelpEpic Test Code LAB134 Triglycerides, Serum
Performing Location(s)
BMC
Specimen Type
Serum or Plasma
Preferred Container
Gold or Red top tube
Alternate Container
Green top tube
Blood Tube Draw Volume
Min 50% draw volume
Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing
0.5 mL Serum or Plasma
- Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.
Storage Requirements
Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection
Gold tops are stable in original tubes for 7 days DO NOT ALIQUOT
Aliquot Red tops
See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.
Transportation Needs
Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements".
Causes for Rejection
Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
> 7 days Refrigerated
> 24 hours Room Temp
>3 months Frozen
Hemolysis > 500 mg/dL HgB
Bilirubin > 40 mg/dL Bili
Limitations
Small amounts of free glycerol may be found in blood samples from healthy individuals due to natural lipolysis. The concentration of free glycerol may be increased by stress, disease states or administration of intravenous infusates. Free glycerol or other polyols may cause a positive interference.
N-Acetylcystein (N-AC) interference with this method leading to falsely depresses values. Collecting blood work prior to drug administration and waiting ≥12 hrs for repeat testing is recommended.
Reference Values
| Population | Units | Reference Range |
| All populations | mg/dL | <150 |
Days of Analysis
All
Available STAT
No
Methodology
Beckman AU/Dx Series
Additional Information
It is preferred but not required that the patient be fasting for 12-14 hours prior to specimen collection
Patient Instructions for Fasting Laboratory Testing
Additional Information:
Triglycerides are water-insoluble lipids consisting of three fatty acids linked to one glycerol molecule. Triglycerides are transported in the blood as core constituents of all lipoproteins, but the greatest concentration of these molecules is carried in the triglycerides-rich chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Through the action of lipases and bile acids, triglycerides are hydrolyzed into glycerol and fatty acids which are absorbed by adipose tissue for storage or by other tissues requiring a source of energy. A peak concentration of chylomicron-associated triglycerides occurs within 3-6 hours after ingestion of a fat-rich meal; however, the rate of absorption of fats is highly variable, depending on the individual and dietary composition of the fat. After absorption, triglycerides are resynthesized in the epithelial cells and combined with cholesterol and a number of apolipoproteins to form chylomicrons
This test is not available on a STAT basis. If an emergency request is necessary, call 3731 for availability. Pathologist approval may be required.
See also entry to “Lipid Profile”
CPT Code
84478
Last Updated
26-OCT-24 MS