What does it mean when a blood sample is icteric?

Icterus, also known as jaundice, is used to describe the yellowish-greenish color observed in the sclera of the eyes or in plasma/serum samples of patients with very high concentrations of bilirubin.

How does icterus affect lab results?

Visual inspection results for icterus showed more variations between technologists and compared to ordinal values. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that some of the chemistry analytes were affected by hemolysis, icterus and lipemia interferences. Generally, our results were consistent with manufacturer’s claims.

What color is icteric serum?

Icteric serum or plasma varies in color from dark to bright yellow, rather than the normal straw color. Icterus may affect certain determinations. Upon receipt of such specimens, we may request a new sample to assure results of diagnostic value.

What does icteric mean in medical terms?

jaundice
Medical Definition of icteric : of, relating to, or affected with jaundice.

What does icterus mean?

Definition of icterus medical. : yellowish pigmentation of the skin, tissues, and body fluids caused by the deposition of bile pigments : jaundice The patient appeared very lethargic and mildly dehydrated with severe icterus.—

What causes specimen icterus?

Icteric serum is caused by the presence of excess bilirubin in the blood stream. Icteric serum is caused by the presence of excess bilirubin in the blood stream as a result of increased production (pre-hepatic) or inappropriate excretion (hepatic and post-hepatic).

What tests are affected by icterus?

Interferences from hemolysis, lipemia and icterus are most frequently noted which alter the assay results….Common biochemical tests affected by hemolysed sample.

IncreasedDecreased
Potassium (K+)Troponin T
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)Haptoglobin
SGOT/ASTBilirubin
SGPT/ALTAmylase

What is the meaning of icteric?

Why does the blood plasma appear milky after a high fat meal?

Dietary fat is broken down and absorbed by the small intestine. Chylomicrons are then formed in the cells of the small intestine and secreted into the bloodstream. When the concentration of chylomicrons in the blood reaches a certain level the plasma which is normally light yellow in color will turn milky.