How does the appearance of icteric specimens change after centrifugation?

When icteric specimens are subjected to centrifugation, the appearance changes primarily due to the presence of bilirubin, which is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. In these specimens, the high levels of bilirubin cause the serum or plasma to take on a green or brownish hue. This coloration occurs because bilirubin absorbs certain wavelengths of light, leading to the characteristic greenish-brown color when it is concentrated, especially after the separation process in centrifugation.

This understanding helps reinforce the nature of icteric samples in phlebotomy. Icterus, or jaundice, indicates an elevated level of bilirubin in the serum, and recognizing the visual changes post-centrifugation is crucial for phlebotomists for accurate sample handling and interpretation in a clinical setting.