Triglyceride test

TRIGLYCERIDE TEST

DESCRIPTION - a triglyceride test is a blood test that measures the amount of a fat in your blood called triglycerides. High triglycerides may increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke. A triglycerides test can help you decide if you need to take action to lower your risk. Your body uses triglycerides for energy.

METHODOLOGY – quantitative enzymatic

TURN AROUND TIME – within 24 hours

SPECIMEN REQUIERED –

PATIENT PREPARATION – fasting specimen is preferred

COLLECT – plasma separator tube or serum separator tube

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate the serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 ml of serum to transport tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – refrigerated

STABILITY – ambient: 48 hours; refrigerated: 1 week; frozen: 3 months

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – body fluid. Collection tubes with glycerol lubricated stoppers

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory