The Basics of Cholesterol and Triglyceride Determination

Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) that is normally present in the blood in normal concentrations (less than 250 mg/dL). A constant elevation of cholesterol leads to atherosclerosis and heart diseases. Atherosclerosis is the thickening of the blood vessel walls due to cholesterol build up; this would often lead to hypertension.

Cholesterol though, is also important to the body. It is composed of a nucleus called the CPPP (cylcopentanoperhydrophenanthrene) which serves as the basic component of steroid hormones like estradiol, estrone and estriol. It is therefore important, that the level of cholesterol in blood should be within normal, because too much of it is unhealthy.

On the other hand, triglyceride or triacylglycerol (TAG) is also a type of lipid which is composed of 3 fatty acids and one glycerol molecule. Just like cholesterol, the elevation of TAG makes a person more prone to heart diseases. The normal levels are below 200 mg/dL. The blood levels of these 2 lipids should therefore be monitored to ensure good health.

Cholesterol and triglyceride (TAG) determinations are often done simultaneously because of their significance in the diagnosis of heart diseases. The preparation for the tests; therefore, are similar. These are the things that you should be aware of in these 2 laboratory tests:

1.
Although fasting is not needed for cholesterol test alone, since it is performed simultaneously with TAG; you have to fast for 12-14 hours.

2.
Eat your dinner before 7 pm, and then from that time onwards you should not be taking in anything. Pure water, in regular amounts, is allowed.

3.
There should be no tea, juice coffee, or any liquid taken in (except pure water).

4.
The following day at 7 a.m., proceed to the laboratory for blood extraction. Do not eat your breakfast or anything before you are to be extracted.

5.
Don't take in drugs or medications, except those specified by your doctor.

6.
Avoid strenuous exercise, like weight lifting, push ups, etc.

7.
Avoid smoking.

In the laboratory assay itself, the following should be observed:

1.
The best blood specimen is serum. If plasma is used, the usual anticoagulant is EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid).

2.
Serum is the supernatant fluid when coagulated blood has been centrifuged and plasma is the supernatant fluid when anti-coagulated blood has been centrifuged.

3.
Your sample should not be contaminated with water or metallic substances.

4.
The incubation time and temperature should be followed correctly.

5.
Measurements should be pipetted accurately.

6.
The procedure should be done reliably.

There are various cholesterol and triglyceride determinations, like the chemical and enzymatic methods. Not all may be affected by some of the above-mentioned factors, but to be certain, they should all be observed in order to come up with a reliable result; so become conscious of your health, have your cholesterol and triglyceride tests now.