The triglyceride level is a laboratory test to measure the
amount of triglycerides in your blood. Triglycerides are a type
of fat. Your body makes some triglycerides. Triglycerides also
come from the food you eat. Leftover calories are turned into
triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use. If you eat
more calories than your body needs, your triglyceride level may
be high. How the test is performed A blood sample is needed. For
information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture How to
prepare for the test You should not eat for 8 to 12 hours before
the test. Alcohol and certain drugs may affect test results.
Make sure your doctor knows what medicines you take, including
over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Your doctor may tell you
to stop taking certain medicines for a little while. Never stop
taking any medicine without first talking to your doctor. Drugs
that can increase triglyceride measurements include beta
blockers, cholestyramine, colestipol, estrogens, protease
inhibitors, retinoids, thiaz