American Medical Technologist (AMT) Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

A serum or plasma specimen that appears milky is indicative of what condition?

Dehydration

Severe lipemia

A milky appearance in a serum or plasma specimen is indicative of severe lipemia. Lipemia occurs when there are elevated levels of triglycerides or fats in the blood, which can lead to a cloudy or turbid appearance in the sample. This occurs because the fat globules dispersed in the plasma scatter light, resulting in the milky appearance.

In contrast, dehydration may lead to concentrated serum, but it does not typically alter the clarity to a milky appearance. Hemolysis, which involves the breakdown of red blood cells, usually results in a pink or red discoloration of the sample due to the release of hemoglobin. Hyperglycemia, characterized by high blood sugar levels, does not generally affect the clarity of serum or plasma and would not produce a milky appearance either. Thus, severe lipemia is directly associated with the milky appearance of the specimen.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

Hemolysis

Hyperglycemia

Next Question

Report this question

Download American Medical Technologist (AMT) Practice Exam PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy