What is this test?
Triglycerides are a major form of circulating and stored fat. Levels respond to recent food and alcohol intake, glucose control, weight, genetics and medicines.
Why might it be ordered?
- As part of cardiovascular and metabolic risk assessment.
- To monitor a raised level, diabetes or treatment; very high values matter because of pancreatitis risk.
What sample is needed?
A blood sample is required. The laboratory chooses the correct tube and handles the sample for this test.
How should you prepare?
Ask whether a fasting sample is required, especially when a previous value was high. Avoid changing medicine and report recent alcohol intake or acute illness.
How should you understand the result?
Interpretation depends on fasting status and the full lipid profile. A very high result needs timely clinical review, particularly with upper-abdominal pain.
Sources and editorial status
This patient-facing text is an editorial draft. It should be approved by a laboratory physician before official publication.