Icterus, or the presence of elevated levels of bilirubin, is a matrix interferent for which steps cannot be implemented to minimize its presence. Bilirubin imparts a yellow or gold color to the serum or plasma that is noticeable only after centrifugation. Bilirubin can affect certain lab test analyses.
Similar to the presence of lipemia, it is important to provide an observational comment for icterus with the laboratory results, regardless of the test being ordered and the effect of icterus on the result.
