Understanding green discoloration in serum and citrate plasma samples: a case report

This case report investigates the occurrence of green discoloration in serum and citrate plasma samples collected from a male adult patient following a multivisceral organ transplant. In collected samples, it was necessary to investigate the influence of sample discoloration on the results of laboratory tests and to determine the appropriate approach to sample management. Hematology, coagulation and blood gas analysis showed no flags, but the biochemical lipemia index was susceptible to positive interference, necessitating dilution of the native sample. Despite the green discoloration, both native and diluted samples exhibited minimal interference on routine clinical chemistry analyses, demonstrating the reliability of the laboratory test results. This case report underscores the influence of preanalytical factors on the results of laboratory tests, the need for a thorough assessment of the sample adequacy for laboratory testing and the strict application of appropriate guidelines in the sample management in order to make an accurate diagnosis and ensure optimal patient care.