Triglycerides Serum
Triglycerides Serum
Triglycerides are one of the fatty substances in your blood. The serum triglyceride test measures these fatty substances in the blood of an individual.
The rise in these triglycerides may increase the risk of artery blockage which may lead to many life-threatening health conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, etc. This test is advised for individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, hypertension, kidney diseases, etc. In addition, it is also advised for individuals who use anti-cholesterol medication, for understanding its efficacy and monitoring its effectiveness
Who should get tested?
The serum triglyceride test is recommended in individuals who have/are
Above 35 years of age
Family history of heart diseases
Obese
Habit of smoking
Unhealthy eating habits
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Undergone anti-cholesterol treatment
Test preparation
Fasting blood samples are required for testing serum triglyceride. Therefore, it is instructed to fast for about 8 – 10 hours before taking the test.
Please talk to your healthcare provider about any medications or medical conditions you have, before taking the test
Interpretation of the Test Results
|
Category |
Triglyceride levels |
|
Normal |
150mg/dL and less |
|
Borderline High |
150 – 199 mg/dL |
|
High |
200 – 499 mg/dL |
|
Very High |
500 mg/dL and more |
Deviation from the normal range
· Higher triglycerides may mean a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, etc. The higher the fat levels in your blood, the more the chance of arteries getting blocked.
Low triglyceride levels are usually uncommon
FAQs
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for serum triglyceride tests?
The test results of serum triglycerides are usually available within 1 – 2 working days after the sample collection. However, it could also take a little longer at times
Are there any risks to serum triglyceride test?
No, there are no potential risks associated with serum triglyceride tests. It is a simple blood test and may involve negligible risks such as feeling a slight sting or a bruise at the site of needle insertion. It usually resolves within a few minutes to a couple of hours. Rarely, the site can also become infected
What is the procedure involved in sample collection of serum triglyceride test?
Your healthcare provider will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm and collect a few mL of blood. For easy collection of blood sample, you may be asked to make a fist or have a little elastic band placed around your upper arm. This makes your veins clearly visible which may ease the procedure
How often it is advised to take serum triglyceride test?
After the age of 40, both males and females should take serum triglyceride test once a year. If one has a family history of heart disease, it is recommended to have cholesterol levels checked every three to six months. It helps in monitoring cholesterol levels, which may help alert you about alarming cholesterol levels in the body
What medications can raise the triglyceride levels in the blood of an individual?
Certain drugs, such as antipsychotics, antivirals, corticosteroids, oral oestrogens, tamoxifen, thiazides, beta-blockers, etc., might cause an individual's triglyceride levels to rise. To keep their cholesterol levels under check, those individuals taking such medicines should have routine serum triglyceride test done every 6 months or 1 year
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