Icteric serum is caused by the presence of excess bilirubin in the blood stream as a result of increased production (pre-hepatic) or inappropriate excretion (hepatic and post-hepatic).

What does it mean when a blood sample is Icteric?

Icterus, also known as jaundice, is used to describe the yellowish-greenish color observed in the sclera of the eyes or in plasma/serum samples of patients with very high concentrations of bilirubin.

What does a high icterus index mean?

Medical Definition of icterus index : a figure representing the amount of bilirubin in the blood as determined by comparing the color of a sample of test serum with a set of color standards an icterus index of 15 or above indicates active jaundice.