At 200 mg/dL triglycerides, the plasma is typically:

At 200 mg/dL triglycerides, the plasma is typically:

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

Answer: (A)

Plasma appearance reflects the amount and type of lipoproteins present. Lipemia (cloudy, milky plasma) happens when there are many chylomicrons and/or very high triglycerides, especially after a fatty meal. In a fasting sample, chylomicrons are minimized, so even with moderate triglyceride elevation, the plasma often remains clear because light scattering isn’t enough to make it turbid. At around 200 mg/dL, this level is typically not high enough to produce visible lipemia, so the plasma is usually clear. Only with higher triglycerides or postprandial chylomicron accumulation would you expect a lactescent or turbid appearance.

Plasma appearance reflects the amount and type of lipoproteins present. Lipemia (cloudy, milky plasma) happens when there are many chylomicrons and/or very high triglycerides, especially after a fatty meal. In a fasting sample, chylomicrons are minimized, so even with moderate triglyceride elevation, the plasma often remains clear because light scattering isn’t enough to make it turbid. At around 200 mg/dL, this level is typically not high enough to produce visible lipemia, so the plasma is usually clear. Only with higher triglycerides or postprandial chylomicron accumulation would you expect a lactescent or turbid appearance.