Triglycerides Serum

Triglycerides

(Biochemistry)

Investigation

Triglycerides

Specimen type

Serum

Spec container

Serum Gel

Volume required

5 ml

Reference range

See Below mmol/l

Turnaround

<24 hours

Reference Intervals
< 1.7 mmol/L (Heart UK Fasting

Triglyceride 4.5 - 9.9 mmol/L: Repeat fasting. Optimise management of other CVD risk factors.
Triglyceride 10 - 20 mmol/L: Urgent repeat fasting lipid profile (5-14 days), review for secondary causes of hyperlipidaemia and seek specialist advice if triglyceride remains above 10 mmol/L (NICE NG238).
Triglyceride > 20 mmol/L: Refer for urgent specialist review if hypertriglyceridaemia is not attributable to poor glycaemic control or alcohol use (NICE NG238).

Acetaminophen intoxications are frequently treated with N-Acetylcysteine. N-Acetylcysteine at a plasma concentration above 165 mg/L and the Acetaminophen metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) independently may cause falsely low results..

Venipuncture should be performed prior to the administration of Metamizole. Venipuncture immediately after or during the administration of Metamizole may lead to falsely low results. A significant interference may occur at plasma Metamizole concentrations above 49 mg/L.

Fasting specimen not required but preferable in some situations

Overview Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification | Guidance | NICE (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng238)

Link to NICE Guidance on Familial Hypercholesterolaemia: identification and management.

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