Triglycerides Blood Test

This test measures the concentration of triglycerides in your serum, reported in mg/dL. Triglycerides are the fats your body uses for energy and stores from extra calories. The test does not measure cholesterol; total cholesterol, HDL and LDL are reported in a lipid panel or their own tests.

People who want to track triglycerides after lifestyle changes (less alcohol, sugar or refined carbohydrates, more activity, weight loss); people with prediabetes, diabetes, metabolic syndrome or a past high result; people taking medicines that can raise triglycerides, such as diuretics, some breast cancer treatments and some HIV medicines, when their clinician wants the level watched. For a first or routine cholesterol check, the full lipid panel is the better choice.

In the morning after a 9-12 hour overnight fast. Re-testing is most informative several weeks to a few months after a change in diet, alcohol, weight or medication, or on the schedule your clinician recommends.

Quest reports triglycerides in mg/dL, with a reference range of under 150 mg/dL for adults 20 and older (under 90 mg/dL for ages 10-19 and under 75 mg/dL for age 9 and younger). MedlinePlus classifies adult levels of 150-199 mg/dL as borderline high, 200-499 as high and 500 or more as very high. Higher levels may add to the risk of heart disease, stroke and metabolic syndrome, and very high levels raise the risk of pancreatitis. Common causes include a diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates and fat, alcohol, inactivity, excess weight, poorly controlled diabetes, thyroid, kidney or liver disease, inherited conditions and certain medicines. Low triglycerides are very uncommon. Review your result with a clinician, who will read it with your cholesterol, blood sugar and other risk factors. JustLabs results are informational and do not replace medical care.