Triglycerides in Serum or Plasma (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood, using either serum or plasma. Triglycerides are a key part of your lipid profile and help your body store and use energy.
["Triglycerides help your body manage energy, but high levels may raise your risk of heart disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35217-9
- Short code
- Trigl SerPl-msCnc
- Synonyms
- Trigl SerPl-msCnc
- 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test to check for high triglyceride levels, which can be linked to conditions like diabetes, obesity, or certain medications. It’s also used to monitor heart health, especially if you have risk factors such as high cholesterol or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or a blood sample collected from a finger prick. If you’re fasting, follow your provider’s instructions, as fasting may affect triglyceride levels.
What the Results Mean
Triglyceride levels vary by age, sex, and overall health. While specific reference ranges aren’t provided here, high levels (above typical reference ranges) may indicate an increased risk of heart disease or other health concerns.
Common Causes of High or Low Triglycerides
High triglyceride levels can be caused by diet, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, or certain medications. Low levels may occur with certain medical conditions, liver disease, or malnutrition.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated triglyceride levels often require lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, or medical treatment to reduce cardiovascular risk. Low levels may not always need intervention but should be discussed with your healthcare provider if concerning symptoms are present.
Short name
Triglycerides
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What can I do to lower my triglyceride levels if they’re high?
Does fasting affect triglyceride test results?
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