Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) ASCP Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Lipemia refers to the presence of an excess of lipids in the blood, which is most commonly observed in serum samples that appear milky or turbid. This condition is primarily caused by elevated levels of triglycerides. When triglyceride levels in the serum become significantly elevated, they can cloud the sample, giving it a characteristic milky appearance.

Triglycerides are the main form of fat found in the body and are stored in adipose tissue. They are composed of glycerol and three fatty acids and are released into the bloodstream from dietary sources or produced by the liver. High levels of triglycerides can result from various factors, including obesity, diabetes, certain medications, and genetic predispositions.

In contrast, while cholesterol is another lipid present in serum, its elevation does not typically lead to a clinically significant lipemic appearance. Glucose, although an important biomarker for metabolic states, is unrelated to lipemia. Phospholipids, while part of the lipid profile, are generally not present in amounts that would cause lipemic serum either. Therefore, increased levels of triglycerides are the most direct cause of lipemia in serum samples.