If the plasma appears cloudy in the hematocrit tube, it could be an indication of what condition?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Hemoglobinemia
• C. Hyperlipemia
• D. High white blood cell count

Answer: (C)

Cloudy or milky plasma in a hematocrit tube signals lipemia—a high lipid content, typically triglycerides, in the blood. Lipids in the plasma scatter light, giving a turbid appearance, which is a classic sign of hyperlipidemia. This contrasts with jaundice, which colors plasma yellow due to bilirubin, and hemoglobinemia, which colors plasma pinkish or red from free hemoglobin. A high white blood cell count doesn’t usually cause plasma to look cloudy.