A triglyceride level of 300 mg/dL is often described as which appearance?

A triglyceride level of 300 mg/dL is often described as which appearance?

• A. Clear
• B. Lactescent
• C. Opaque
• D. Turbid/hazy

Answer: (D)

High triglycerides make plasma lipemic, meaning fat particles like chylomicrons scatter light and cause the serum to look cloudy. That visible turbid or hazy appearance is the classic description for lipemic plasma, which is why turbid/hazy is the best fit for a triglyceride level around 300 mg/dL. Clear plasma is normal, while opaque or lactescent can be used in some contexts but aren’t as precise for this standard description of lipemia.

High triglycerides make plasma lipemic, meaning fat particles like chylomicrons scatter light and cause the serum to look cloudy. That visible turbid or hazy appearance is the classic description for lipemic plasma, which is why turbid/hazy is the best fit for a triglyceride level around 300 mg/dL. Clear plasma is normal, while opaque or lactescent can be used in some contexts but aren’t as precise for this standard description of lipemia.