Triglycerides CPT: 84478
Expected Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum (preferred) or plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, green-top (heparin) tube, or lavender-top (EDTA) tube. Do not use glycerinated Vacutainer® tubes.
Collection
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
Patient Information
To assess your risk of developing heart disease; to monitor effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy.
Screening: as part of a lipid profile during a regular medical exam at least once every four to six years for adults; for children, at least once between the ages of 9 and 11 and again between the ages of 17 and 21.
Monitoring: may be done more frequently if you have risk factors for heart disease and/or if you are being treated for unhealthy lipid levels.
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or from a fingerstick.
Current standards recommend that testing be done when you are fasting. For 9 to 12 hours before the test, only water is permitted. In addition, alcohol should not be consumed for 24 hours just before the test. Your healthcare practitioner may decide that you may be tested without fasting. Follow any instructions you are given and tell the person drawing your blood whether or not you have fasted.