Lipemia is associated with an increased amount of which of the following?

Lipemia is characterized by an elevated level of lipids in the blood, particularly triglycerides. When triglyceride levels rise significantly, it results in a cloudy or milky appearance to the plasma, which is what is referred to as lipemia. Triglycerides are a major component of fat in the diet and are synthesized in the liver, making their elevation a key indicator of lipemic conditions.

In the context of lipemia, the increase in triglycerides can be due to various factors, including dietary intake, genetic predispositions, and metabolic disorders. Understanding this relationship is crucial for laboratory diagnostics and patient management, as high triglyceride levels can contribute to other health concerns, such as pancreatitis.

Other lipid fractions, like LDL and HDL cholesterol, do not directly correlate with lipemia. LDL cholesterol may also be elevated in certain conditions, but it is not a defining feature of lipemia. Similarly, HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol and is typically associated with a protective role against cardiovascular disease rather than being a marker of lipemia. Bilirubin, a product of the breakdown of hemoglobin, is unrelated to the presence of lipids in the blood. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the primary lipid species associated with