Triglyceride (Serum) – Quantitative Measurement
This test measures the amount of triglycerides, a type of fat, in your blood serum. High levels may indicate an increased risk of heart disease or other health concerns.
["Triglycerides help your body use fat for energy, but high levels can strain your heart and blood vessels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 23485-6
- Short code
- T gondii Ab Ser Ql Aggl
- Synonyms
- T gondii Ab Ser Ql Aggl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- aggl
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test to assess your risk of heart disease, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. It’s often checked alongside other lipid tests like cholesterol levels. You might also need it if you have symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or a family history of high triglycerides.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you should avoid eating or drinking anything (except water) for 12 hours before the test. Fasted results are more accurate for measuring triglycerides. If you’re pregnant, have diabetes, or take certain medications, let your provider know.
How the Test Works
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab, where it’s analyzed to measure triglycerides using an automated method that detects fat particles in your serum.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). While reference ranges vary by lab, very high levels (above 500 mg/dL) can cause pancreatitis or other complications. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated triglycerides can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. They may also worsen symptoms of diabetes or kidney disease. Low levels might suggest healthy fat metabolism, but this isn’t always the case—your provider will evaluate results alongside other factors like diet, exercise, and family history.
Short name
Triglycerides (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I lower my triglycerides naturally?
Do I need to fast for this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy