What is being tested?
This test measures the amount of triglycerides in your blood. Triglycerides are the body's storage form for fat. Most triglycerides are found in adipose (fat) tissue. Some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. Extra triglycerides are found in the blood after eating a meal—when fat is being sent from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. Ideally, the test for triglycerides should be done when you are fasting and no extra triglycerides from a recent meal are present.

How is the sample collected for testing?
The test for triglycerides uses a blood sample. Most often, the blood sample is collected using a needle to collect blood from a vein.