Referred Tests
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Test ID: TRIG
Triglycerides, Serum
Useful For 
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Evaluation of risk factors in individuals with elevated cholesterol values
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Triglycerides are esters of the trihydric alcohol, glycerol, with 3 long-chain fatty acids. They are partly synthesized in the liver and partly derived from the diet.
Increased plasma triglyceride levels are indicative of a metabolic abnormality and, along with elevated cholesterol, are considered a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease. Hyperlipidemia may be inherited or be associated with biliary obstruction, diabetes mellitus, nephrotic syndrome, renal failure, or metabolic disorders related to endocrinopathies. Increased triglycerides may also be medication-induced (eg, prednisone).
Since cholesterol and triglycerides can vary independently, measurement of both is more meaningful than the measurement of cholesterol only.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
The National Lipid Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) have set the following guidelines for lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and Non HDL cholesterol) in adults ages 18 and up:
TRIGLYCERIDES
Normal: <150 mg/dL
Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL
High: 200-499 mg/dL
Very high: > or =500 mg/dL
The Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents has set the following guidelines for lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol) in children ages 2 to 17:
TRIGLYCERIDES
2-9 years:
Acceptable: <75 mg/dL
Borderline high: 75-99 mg/dL
High: > or =100 mg/dL
10-17 years:
Acceptable: <90 mg/dL
Borderline high: 90-129 mg/dL
High: > or =130 mg/dL
For SI unit Reference Values, see International System of Units (SI) Conversion
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
In the presence of other coronary heart disease risk factors, both borderline-high (150-199 mg/dL) and high values (>200 mg/dL) require attention.
Triglyceride concentrations above 1,000 mg/dL can lead to abdominal pain and may be life-threatening due to chylomicron-induced pancreatitis.
See Lipids and Lipoproteins in Blood Plasma (Serum) in Special Instructions.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Result can be falsely decreased in patients with elevated levels of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI, a metabolite of acetaminophen), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and Metamizole.
Clinical Reference Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. Fifth edition Edited by CA Burtis, ER Ashwood. St. Louis, MO. Elsevier Saunders, 2012
2. Rifai N, Warnick GR: Laboratory Measurements of Lipids, Lipoproteins and Apolipoproteins. AACC Press, Washington, DC, 1994
3. Jacobson TA, Ito MK, Maki KC, et al: National Lipid Association recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia: Part 1-executive summary. J Clin Lipidol 2014;8(5):473-488
4. Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents: Pediatrics 2011;128;S213