Triglyceride in Serum (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the amount of triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood, using a sample of your serum.
["Triglycerides help your body store and use energy, but high levels may increase heart disease risk."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 70259-7
- Short code
- Trigl Pcar/Ser
- Synonyms
- Trigl Pcar/Ser
- 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 Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for high triglyceride levels, which can be linked to conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity. It may also be used to monitor treatment for conditions affecting fat metabolism or heart health.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for 8–12 hours before the test to get the most accurate results. If you’re pregnant or have kidney disease, let your provider know.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. You may feel a small pinch when the needle goes in, but the procedure usually takes less than five minutes.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). High levels (above normal ranges) may signal metabolic issues or increased cardiovascular risk, while very low levels may indicate nutritional deficiencies or liver problems.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Serum Triglycerides (TG)
Frequently asked questions
High triglyceride levels can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease or stroke. They may also indicate underlying conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or kidney disease. Regular monitoring helps manage these risks.
What causes triglyceride levels to rise? Common causes include poor diet (high in sugar or unhealthy fats), obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, or certain medications like birth control pills.
Are there any risks or side effects from this blood test? The most common side effect is a mild bruise, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Rarely, there may be a slight bruising or bleeding if the needle punctures a blood vessel.
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