Triglycerides is a topic covered in the Davis's Lab & Diagnostic Tests.

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Nursing Central


Trigs, TG.

To evaluate triglyceride (TG) levels to assess cardiovascular disease risk and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

Patient Preparation
There are no activity or medication restrictions unless by medical direction. Instruct the patient to fast for 12 hr before specimen collection; fasting is required prior to measurement of TG levels. Ideally, the patient should be on a stable diet for 3 wk and avoid alcohol consumption for 3 days before specimen collection; alcohol increases TG levels. Protocols may vary among facilities.

Normal Findings
Method: Spectrophotometry.

ClassificationConventional UnitsSI Units (Conventional Units × 0.0113)
NormalLess than 150 mg/dLLess than 1.7 mmol/L
Borderline high150–199 mg/dL1.7–2.2 mmol/L
High200–499 mg/dL2.2–5.6 mmol/L
Very highGreater than 500 mg/dLGreater than 5.6 mmol/L

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
