The presence of which substance causes an icteric serum color?

Study for the VTNE Laboratory Procedures Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations, enabling increased understanding and retention. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

The presence of which substance causes an icteric serum color?

Explanation:
Icteric serum color occurs because of bilirubin, the bile pigment that colors yellow. When bilirubin accumulates in the blood—due to liver disease, biliary obstruction, or increased red blood cell breakdown—the serum takes on a yellow tint. Among the options, bilirubin is the substance responsible for this coloration, so a high total bilirubin level produces the icteric appearance. Lipids can make serum appear milky (lipemic), while electrolytes and glucose do not cause a color change.

Icteric serum color occurs because of bilirubin, the bile pigment that colors yellow. When bilirubin accumulates in the blood—due to liver disease, biliary obstruction, or increased red blood cell breakdown—the serum takes on a yellow tint. Among the options, bilirubin is the substance responsible for this coloration, so a high total bilirubin level produces the icteric appearance. Lipids can make serum appear milky (lipemic), while electrolytes and glucose do not cause a color change.

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