Lipemic specimens contain high levels of triglycerides consisting of chylomicrons and very low-density lipoprotein particles, which in turn cause turbidity. This turbidity interferes with light scatter and the absorption of light, resulting in a false increase of hemoglobin determinations.

Is hemoglobin affected by lipemia?

Lipemia interferes with the accurate determination of hemoglobin, or Hb, by spectroscopy on most hematology analyzers, but it does not generally interfere with determinations (especially impedance based) of red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and platelet count.

How lipemia affect CBC?

Q: What CBC parameters are affected when the specimen is lipemic? A: Lipemia in a blood specimen used for clinical evaluation can cause significant interference with obtaining accurate test values. Lipemia creates turbidity of a sample and is a result of the accumulation of lipid particles.