Annals of Laboratory Medicine

Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine (대한진단검사의학회)
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Adjustment Formula for Harmonizing Triglyceride Values in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2022

  • Rihwa Choi (Department of Laboratory Medicine, Green Cross Laboratories (GC Labs)) ;
  • Jong Do Seo (Department of Laboratory Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center) ;
  • Eun-Jung Cho (Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine) ;
  • Woochang Lee (Department of Laboratory Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine) ;
  • Yeo-Min Yun (Department of Laboratory Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center)
  • Received : 2024.06.24
  • Accepted : 2024.12.27
  • Published : 2025.05.01
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Abstract

Background: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) triglyceride testing changed from the glycerol blanking method (2005-2021) to the glycerol non-blanking method (2022). We converted triglyceride data from 2005-2021 to that obtained since 2022 with different analytical methods. Methods: To develop a conversion equation, 98 fresh serum specimen pairs were compared using Passing-Bablok regression analysis. Implications of the conversion equation on epidemiological data were evaluated using KNHANES data from 2019-2021. Bias estimations determined using the Lipid Standardization Program (LSP) of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) enhanced the accuracy and comparability of the triglyceride results. Results: Triglyceride concentrations measured via the glycerol non-blanking method were 10.7 mg/dL (0.12 mmol/L, 10.0%) higher than those from the glycerol blanking method, with a 9.9 mg/dL (0.11 mmol/L, 5.0%) difference at a concentration of 200 mg/dL (2.26 mmol/L, N=98). The conversion equation y (glycerol non-blanking, 2022)=11.94+0.99x (glycerol blanking, 2005-2021) changed the mean triglyceride concentrations of the KNHANES 2019-2021 data (N=16,015) from 123.7 mg/dL (1.40 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 122.2-125.1 mg/dL [1.38-1.41 mmol/L]) to 134.3 mg/dL (1.52 mmol/L, 95% CI: 132.9-135.8 mg/dL [1.50-1.53 mmol/L]). Since 2022, bias monitoring using the CDC's LSP has remained within a 5.0% limit. Conclusions: KNHANES triglyceride values in 2022 (non-blanking) were substantially higher than those from 2005-2021 (blanking). Conversion equations helped effectively adjust 2005-2021 data. Researchers should consider adjusting the KNHANES triglyceride data based on their study characteristics.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors extend their gratitude to all participants, research staff, the Seegene Medical Foundation, and the KDCA for their contributions to the KNHANES study.

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