Final answer:
An icteric specimen appears yellow due to the accumulation of bilirubin from hemoglobin degradation, indicating the presence of jaundice or icterus, which is a sign of various underlying health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
An icteric specimen refers to a sample, such as blood or serum, that exhibits a yellow discoloration indicative of jaundice or icterus.
This yellow coloration occurs when there is an accumulation of bilirubin, a product of hemoglobin degradation, in the blood and tissues due to hyperbilirubinemia. As bilirubin concentration increases in the blood, surpassing 2 mg/100 ml, the excess cannot be held in the bloodstream and begins to diffuse into tissues, resulting in the yellow hue observed in icteric specimens.
Jaundice is classified into different types based on the underlying cause, which may include liver damage, hemolysis, or obstructions in the bile ducts. The visual identification of an icteric specimen is crucial in diagnosing and managing liver function and related disorders.