Test Code Billings Clinic: 4073 Triglycerides, Plasma or Serum
Performing Laboratory
Billings Clinic Laboratory: Chemistry
Useful For
- Evaluation of risk factors in individuals with elevated cholesterol values
- Since cholesterol and triglycerides can vary independently, measurement of both is more meaningful than the measurement of cholesterol only.
Methodology
Fossati Three-step Enzymatic Reaction with a Trinder Endpoint
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Serum or plasma should be physically separated from cells as soon as possible with a maximum limit of two hours from the time of collection.
Plasma
- Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s).
- Patient must be fasting (12-14 hours preferred) with water only, no tea or coffee, and must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours prior to specimen being drawn.
- Spin down and send 1.0 mL of heparinized plasma frozen.
Serum
- Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or a serum gel tube(s).
- Patient must be fasting (12-14 hours preferred) with water only, no tea or coffee, and must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours prior to specimen being drawn.
- Spin down and send 1.0 mL of serum frozen
Storage/Stability
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
Plasma, Serum | Refrigerated | 7 days |
Frozen (preferred) | 3 months |
Reject Due To
- Gross icterus
- Gross hemolysis
- Specimens received at room temperature
Reference Values
Males:
0 - 8 days: 21 - 182 mg/dL
8 days to 1 month: 30 - 184 mg/dL
1 - 3 months: 40 - 175 mg/dL
3 - 6 months: 45 - 291 mg/dL
6 months - 1 year: 45 - 501 mg/dL
1 - 4 years: 27 - 125 mg/dL
4 - 7 years: 32 - 116 mg/dL
7 - 10 years: 28 - 129 mg/dL
10 - 20 years: 24 - 145 mg/dL
> 20 years: 30 - 150 mg/dL
Females:
0 - 8 days: 28 - 166 mg/dL
8 days to 1 month: 30 - 165 mg/dL
1 - 3 months: 35 - 282 mg/dL
3 - 6 months: 50 - 355 mg/dL
6 months - 1 year: 36 - 431 mg/dL
1 - 4 years: 27 - 125 mg/dL
4 - 7 years: 32 - 116 mg/dL
7 - 10 years: 28 - 129 mg/dL
10 - 20 years: 37 - 140 mg/dL
> 20 years: 30 - 150 mg/dL
Adult Guidelines:
Triglyceride Normal Range: Less than 150 mg/dL
Borderline High: 150-199 mg/dL
High: 200-499 mg/dL
Very High: Greater than 500 mg/dL
Day(s) Test Set Up
Daily
Test Classification and CPT Coding
84478 - Triglycerides
LCD or NCD test. ICD-10 code is required for this test. When appropriate, obtain a properly executed ABN and submit the ABN with test order(s). See “Medical Necessity and Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) Policy and Form” under Resources for a copy of a form and additional information.
LOINC Code Information
Reporting Name | LOINC Code |
Triglycerides | 2571-8 |