Triglycerides
Label Mnemonic: TRIG
Epic code: LAB134
Order form: Laboratory Requisition
Supply order: Supply Order Form
Billing: Billing Policies
CPT code: 84478
Specimen(s):
Plasma
Collection Medium:
Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL
Alternate Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.
Minimum:
3 mL whole blood in light green top tube or ONE Microtainer® for pediatric patients.
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
Normal:             < 150 mg/dL
Borderline High:  150-199 mg/dL
High:             200-499 mg/dL
Very High:     > or = 500 mg/dL

To convert triglyceride values to mm/L, divide by 88.6.
Comments:
Fasting for at least 12 hours prior to collection is recommended.

Please print, complete and submit the Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) along with the Laboratory Requisition before shipping the specimen.
Test Limitations:
Serum/Plasma
Icterus: Significant negative interference can occur with I index 
above 10 for conjugated bilirubin and above 35 for unconjugated 
bilirubin (approximate conjugated bilirubin concentration of 10 mg/dL 
or approximate unconjugated bilirubin concentration of 35 mg/dL).

Hemolysis: No significant interference up to an H index of 700 
(approximate hemoglobin concentration: 700 mg/dL).

Lipemia (Intralipid): The L index correlates with sample turbidity and 
not to triglycerides level. Serum samples having extremely elevated 
triglycerides (greater than 3000 mg/dL) can produce a normal result.*  

High concentrations of unesterified glycerol in the sample can produce 
falsely elevated results.  This can occur in rare inborn errors of 
glycerol metabolism (e.g., glycerol kinase deficiency).  In very rare 
cases gammopathy, in particular type IgM Walderstroms 
macroglobulinemia, may cause unreliable results.

*Shephard MDS, Whiting MJ. Clin Chem. 1990;36(2):325-329.
Methodology:
Enzymatic Colorimetric
Instructions:
Fasting for at least 12 hours prior to collection is recommended.

Sample Processing:
Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.
Sample Storage:
Refrigerate.
Transport Instructions:
Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
CPT Code:
84478
 
See also:
Triglycerides-Other, Body Fluid
 
See Additional Information:
Fasting Specimen Requirements