Triglycerides
A triglycerides test measures the level of fats in your blood, which helps assess your risk for heart disease and other health conditions.
{"Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood that provides energy for your body","This test requires fasting for 9-12 hours for accurate results","Normal level is less than 150 mg/dL; levels above 200 mg/dL may require lifestyle changes","High triglycerides can increase risk of heart disease and pancreatitis","Results are often combined with cholesterol tests (lipid panel) for complete assessment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2571-8
- Short code
- TG
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- lipid
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Plain Red Top Tube
- Units
- mg/dL
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 150
- Critical range
- 30 mg/dL – 500 mg/dL
- Fasting
- true
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- enzymatic-gpo
- CPT
- 82947
- SNOMED
- 368009
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum: 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24-48 hours, Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days, Frozen (-20°C or below): 3 months
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
What is this test?
A triglycerides test measures the amount of triglycerides in your blood. Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that your body uses for energy. When you eat, any calories your body doesn't need immediately are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. Between meals, hormones release these triglycerides to provide energy for your body.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. Before the test, you will typically need to fast for 9-12 hours (overnight fasting is usually recommended). Water is generally allowed during the fast. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
How to prepare for the test
To ensure accurate results: fast for 9-12 hours before the test, avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before testing, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, and follow your doctor's specific instructions. Drinking water is usually permitted during the fasting period.
Reference range
< 150 (空腹)mg/dL
Patient must fast for 9-12 hours (typically 12 hours overnight). Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing. Refrain from vigorous exercise for 24 hours before collection. Maintain stable diet for 2-3 weeks prior to testing for baseline measurement. Water is permitted during fasting period.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
TRIG
Part of panels
Frequently asked questions
What are normal triglyceride levels?
What causes high triglycerides?
How can I lower my triglycerides?
How often should I have my triglycerides checked?
Does this test require fasting?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy