What it is: A triglycerides test measures the level of triglycerides, a type of fat from food that the body stores for energy, as part of a lipid panel.
Why it's ordered: Ordered as part of routine cardiovascular risk screening, typically alongside cholesterol values, or to monitor risk for pancreatitis when levels are very high.
What it detects: Elevated triglycerides are associated with cardiovascular disease risk, and very high levels can trigger pancreatic inflammation. Triglyceride levels fluctuate significantly with recent food and alcohol intake.
Collection & prep: A standard blood draw from a vein in the arm; fasting for 9–12 hours is often requested since triglycerides respond quickly to recent meals.
Results:
Below 150 mg/dL – considered healthy
150–499 mg/dL – borderline to high; increases cardiovascular risk
500 mg/dL or above – very high; raises risk of pancreatitis and needs urgent treatment
Possible complications of very high triglycerides: Levels above 500 mg/dL can trigger acute pancreatitis, a serious and painful inflammation of the pancreas, in addition to contributing to long-term cardiovascular risk.
Statements made in the Clinical Manual have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
