Triglycerides
Also known as: TG, Trigs
Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. After you eat, your body converts calories it doesn’t need right away into triglycerides, which are stored and later used for energy.
Why it's measured
Triglycerides are part of the lipid panel. They can be affected by recent meals, alcohol, and other factors, which is why labs are often drawn after fasting.
Typical range
Many labs flag triglycerides under about 150 mg/dL as within the typical range, with higher values labeled borderline or high. Because food and timing affect the result, your doctor interprets it in context.
What high values can mean
Higher triglycerides are commonly discussed alongside metabolic and cardiovascular health. A single elevated reading is not a diagnosis; your doctor may consider whether fasting, diet, or other factors influenced it.
What low values can mean
Lower triglyceride values are generally not a concern on their own, though your doctor may note them in the context of your overall results.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Could anything about how I prepared for the test have affected this number?
- Should this be rechecked while fasting?
- How does this fit with my other lipid results?
Want your full report explained?
Upload a lab PDF and Plain Lab walks you through every value in plain English.
Try the explainerEducational information only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges vary by lab; always use your own lab's range and discuss results with a qualified clinician.