A triglyceride level of 400 mg/dL yields what appearance in plasma?

A triglyceride level of 400 mg/dL yields what appearance in plasma?

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

Answer: (C)

When triglycerides are markedly elevated, lipids circulate in the plasma as lipoproteins that scatter light, making the plasma milky. A level around 400 mg/dL typically produces a lactescent, or milky-white, appearance due to abundant triglyceride-rich particles like chylomicrons and VLDL. This distinguishes it from clear plasma seen with normal lipid levels and from milder haziness that can occur with less lipemia. Thus the appearance described is lactescent.

When triglycerides are markedly elevated, lipids circulate in the plasma as lipoproteins that scatter light, making the plasma milky. A level around 400 mg/dL typically produces a lactescent, or milky-white, appearance due to abundant triglyceride-rich particles like chylomicrons and VLDL. This distinguishes it from clear plasma seen with normal lipid levels and from milder haziness that can occur with less lipemia. Thus the appearance described is lactescent.