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The gross appearance of the plasma in the microhematocrit or centrifuge tube can provide useful information, quickly and reliably. Red color in the plasma indicates the presence of free hemoglobin. This is most often due to artifactive disruption of RBC during sample collection and/or handling, but can also been seen in cases of intravascular hemolytic disease. A red color can also be seen after administration of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers, such as Oxyglobin. Whitish opacity of the plasma indicates hyperlipidemia (hypertriglyceridemia). Though most often associated with the normal post-prandial state in dogs and cats, pathologic hyperlipemia can be seen as in inherited condition in certain breeds of dogs (e.g. Schnauzers) and cats or as an acquired condition in ponies (secondary to negative energy balance) and dogs (acute pancreatitis, Cushing's disease, nephrotic syndrome, hypothyroidism or diabetes mellitus).
Last Updated: June 2000 |
Yellow discoloration of the plasma, though normal (within limits) in
horses and cattle and some species of birds, is evidence of hyperbilirubinemia
(icterus) in dogs and cats.
