Which term describes yellow discoloration due to bilirubin breakdown, often seen in certain fluids?

Which term describes yellow discoloration due to bilirubin breakdown, often seen in certain fluids?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Ketonemia
• C. Hemoglobinuria
• D. Xanthochromia

Answer: (D)

Xanthochromia is the yellow discoloration that appears in a bodily fluid due to the breakdown of bilirubin. In cerebrospinal fluid, this shows up after blood enters the CSF (such as from a subarachnoid hemorrhage) because red blood cells release hemoglobin that is metabolized to bilirubin, giving the fluid its yellow tint. This discoloration helps clinicians identify a prior bleed when the CSF color begins to change from clear to yellow. Jaundice describes a general yellowing of skin and eyes from high bilirubin levels, not a specific fluid’s discoloration. Ketone bodies in the blood cause ketonemia, and hemoglobin in the urine is hemoglobinuria, which are not related to bilirubin-driven yellow coloring in fluids.

Xanthochromia is the yellow discoloration that appears in a bodily fluid due to the breakdown of bilirubin. In cerebrospinal fluid, this shows up after blood enters the CSF (such as from a subarachnoid hemorrhage) because red blood cells release hemoglobin that is metabolized to bilirubin, giving the fluid its yellow tint. This discoloration helps clinicians identify a prior bleed when the CSF color begins to change from clear to yellow. Jaundice describes a general yellowing of skin and eyes from high bilirubin levels, not a specific fluid’s discoloration. Ketone bodies in the blood cause ketonemia, and hemoglobin in the urine is hemoglobinuria, which are not related to bilirubin-driven yellow coloring in fluids.