Starting Monday, November 18, 2002, the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory of the Department of Pathology will offer two triglyceride tests. Because the usual triglyceride test will not give a calculated LDL cholesterol if the triglyceride is >400 mg/dL, a second test is being made available. This new test, the “reflex triglyceride”, will automatically generate a reflex order for a directly measured LDL cholesterol if the triglyceride is >400 mg/dL.

While there is no charge for the calculated LDL associated with the usual tryglyceride test, a directly measured LDL associated with the “reflex triglyceride” test will generate an additional charge.

Until the laboratory requisition can be modified, “reflex triglyceride” should be written on the requisition if that is the desired test. If only the standard triglyceride box is checked, a “reflex triglyceride” will NOT be performed. If both the triglyceride box is checked and reflex triglyceride is written, only the reflex triglyceride will be run.

Questions can be directed to Ron Feld, Ph.D. at 319-356-1759.