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Triglycerides (Serum) – Mass Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood, using a serum sample.

Quick summary

["Triglycerides help your body store and use energy, but high levels may raise your risk of heart disease."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
94865-3
Short code
Trigl Glycer cor Ser-mCnc
Synonyms
Trigl Glycer cor Ser-mCnc
Category
glucose
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
true
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 Matters

Triglycerides are a key part of your lipid (fat) profile, which helps assess your heart health. High triglyceride levels can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Your doctor may recommend this test if you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test to get the most accurate results. Avoid eating or drinking anything except water during this time. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay for about 15 minutes while a blood sample is drawn.

What Happens During the Test

A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into your arm to draw blood from a vein. You may feel a slight pinch or sting, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to measure triglyceride levels.

What the Results Mean

Your results will show the amount of triglycerides in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of your blood serum. While exact reference ranges vary by lab, high levels (typically above 150 mg/dL) may signal a need for lifestyle changes or medical evaluation.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Triglycerides

Frequently asked questions

What Does High or Low Triglyceride Levels Indicate?
Elevated triglycerides often point to metabolic issues like obesity, diabetes, or poor diet. They can also be linked to genetic conditions or medications (e.g., beta-blockers, steroids). Low triglycerides are less common but may occur with certain liver diseases or malnutrition. Always discuss results with your doctor to understand their full meaning in your health.
How Can I Lower Triglycerides Naturally?
If your levels are high, lifestyle changes like improving diet (reducing sugar/saturated fats), increasing exercise, and quitting smoking can help. Some medications, such as fibrates or omega-3 fatty acids, may also be prescribed. Avoid alcohol and limit processed foods to support better triglyceride control.
Will This Test Be Done Regularly?
Your doctor may order this test periodically, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease or metabolic disorders. Regular monitoring helps track progress with treatments or lifestyle adjustments. Follow-up tests may be scheduled based on your overall health and response to interventions.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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