Test Summary
Analysis Type
Serum; enzymatic colorimetric
Collection method
In person at the lab; at-home where available
Why test
Triglycerides
?
- Screen as part of a lipid panel to estimate cardiovascular risk and risk‑enhancing factors [1][3]
- Evaluate very high levels that may increase pancreatitis risk [2][4]
- Monitor response to lifestyle changes or treatments that target triglycerides [1][4]
- Help investigate possible secondary causes of high triglycerides (e.g., diabetes, hypothyroidism, medications) [2]
What is
Triglycerides
?
- Screen as part of a lipid panel to estimate cardiovascular risk and risk‑enhancing factors [1][3]
- Evaluate very high levels that may increase pancreatitis risk [2][4]
- Monitor response to lifestyle changes or treatments that target triglycerides [1][4]
- Help investigate possible secondary causes of high triglycerides (e.g., diabetes, hypothyroidism, medications) [2]
What insights will i get from
Triglycerides
?
- Nonfasting samples are acceptable for routine screening; repeat fasting if nonfasting triglycerides ≥400 mg/dL [1]
- Persistent fasting triglycerides ≥175 mg/dL may support higher ASCVD risk discussions [1]
- Very high levels (≥500 mg/dL) signal pancreatitis risk; risk is greater when ≥1000 mg/dL [2][4]
- Repeat testing can confirm unexpected results and prompt search for secondary causes [2]
Sample type & collection
- Blood sample from a vein; measured as part of a lipid panel [1][3]
- Fasting: It depends. Nonfasting is acceptable; fasting preferred for high results or diagnosis [1][2]
- Recent food or alcohol can transiently raise triglycerides; follow pretest instructions [3][5]
- If nonfasting triglycerides ≥400 mg/dL, a fasting recheck is advised [1]
Triglycerides
is best interpreted with:
- Full lipid panel: total cholesterol, HDL‑C, LDL‑C, non‑HDL‑C [1][3]
- Apolipoprotein B or non‑HDL‑C may better reflect atherogenic particle burden [1][4]
- Glucose or A1C to evaluate metabolic health and diabetes context [2][5]
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Triglycerides
with Aniva
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Limits & interferences with
Triglycerides
:
- Meals and recent alcohol can elevate triglycerides temporarily [2][3][5]
- Pregnancy and some medications can raise triglycerides [2][5]
- Uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney or liver disease can increase levels [2]
- Calculated LDL‑C is unreliable when triglycerides are high; consider direct LDL‑C or alternatives [1]
Sources:
[1] AHA/ACC. 2018 Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol. (2019). https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000625
[2] Endocrine Society. Evaluation and Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia Guideline. (2012). https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/97/9/2969/2536648
[3] MedlinePlus. Triglycerides Test. (2024). https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/triglycerides-test/
[4] ACC. 2021 Expert Consensus Decision Pathway: ASCVD Risk Reduction in Patients With Persistent Hypertriglyceridemia. (2021). https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2021.06.011
[5] NIH NHLBI. High Blood Triglycerides. (2022). https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-triglycerides
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always discuss results with a qualified healthcare professional.
