Questions and Answers
At what temperature can specimens be stored for several months?
What is the volume of sample added to the mixture in µL?
What is the expected normal range of triglyceride levels for males in mg/dL?
What is the medical condition associated with high triglyceride levels?
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What can cause high triglyceride levels?
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What is the conversion factor to convert triglyceride levels from mg/dL to mmol/L?
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What can lead to a dramatic change in triglyceride levels?
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What is the risk factor associated with elevated triglyceride levels?
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What is the primary composition of adipose tissue lipids in humans?
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What changes in triglyceride levels are observed after a meal?
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What is the recommended fasting period before a triglyceride test?
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Which of the following factors is NOT a risk factor for cardiovascular disease?
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At what wavelength is the absorbance of Quinoneimine measured spectrophotometrically?
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What is the significance of measuring triglycerides in the serum?
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What type of sample is optimal for triglyceride analysis?
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Which of the following best describes the process of triglyceride synthesis in the body?
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Study Notes
Triglycerides
- Triglycerides are the main lipids present in human plasma, making up about 95% of adipose tissue lipids.
- They are synthesized in the intestinal mucosa by the esterification of glycerol and free fatty acids.
When is Triglyceride Testing Requested?
- Lipid profile, including triglycerides, is commonly tested when you reach the age of 40.
- It is also requested if you have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as:
- Family history of high cholesterol or heart disease in close relatives.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Smoking cigarettes.
Test Preparation
- Previously, fasting for 12 hours was recommended, as triglycerides increase after a meal for several hours.
- However, studies now show that readings after a meal are just as useful as fasting levels.
Assay Principle
- Triglycerides are determined by enzymatic hydrolysis with lipase enzyme.
- The absorbance of rosy-colored Quinoneimine, which is proportionate to TG concentration, is measured spectrophotometrically at λ=500 nm.
Procedure
- Assay conditions: wavelength 500 nm, cuvette 1 cm light path, temperature 37ºC or 15-25ºC.
- The patient should be fasting for 10 to 14 hours before sampling.
- The best specimen is unhemolysed serum, which should be analyzed on the day of collection.
- Specimens are stable for 7 days when stored at 4C, several months at –20C, and for years at –70C.
Calculations and Expected Values
- TG concentration (mg/dL) is calculated using the concentration of the standard.
- Conversion factor: mg/dl x 0.0114 = mmol/l.
- Expected values: males 40 – 160 mg/dL, females 35 – 135 mg/dL.
- Suspicious >150 mg/dl, elevated >200 mg/dl.
Interpretation of Results
- Elevated levels of triglycerides are associated with a high risk of severe atherosclerosis.
- High triglyceride levels can be inherited or secondary to disorders, including diabetes mellitus, nephrosis, biliary obstruction, and metabolic disorders associated with endocrine disturbances.
- High triglycerides can lead to pancreatitis.
Causes of High Triglycerides
- Factors that can cause high triglycerides include a high fat or high sugar diet, high intake of alcohol, obesity, and diabetes.
- Genetic factors can also increase triglyceride levels.
- Lifestyle changes can be effective in reducing triglyceride levels.
Additional Information
- If you are diabetic and your blood glucose concentrations are out of control, triglyceride concentrations will be very high.
- Triglyceride levels in the blood may change dramatically after a meal.
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Description
Learn about triglycerides, their synthesis, and when triglyceride testing is requested, including its relation to cardiovascular disease and risk factors.
