In hyperlipoproteinemia with high VLDL, which plasma appearance is typical?

• A. Creamy layer on top
• B. Turbid plasma
• C. Clear plasma
• D. Pale yellow plasma

Answer: (B)

The appearance of lipemic plasma depends on which lipoprotein class is elevated. When very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is the predominant lipoprotein, the plasma becomes turbid or milky because the triglyceride-rich particles scatter light as they remain suspended in the serum. This turbidity is characteristic of hypertriglyceridemia due to elevated VLDL.

If chylomicrons were the major lipoprotein present, you would typically see a creamy layer floating on top of the plasma after standing, not just turbidity. Clear plasma suggests little or no lipemia, and pale yellow plasma isn’t the typical look associated with VLDL-driven lipemia.