Examples of sources of pigment other than oxyhemoglobin and bilirubin that can cause xanthochromia include:
- Methemoglobin
- Increased CSF protein (>150 mg/dL)
- Contamination with skin antiseptic (iodine or merthiolate)
Xanthochromia may also be present in the cerebrospinal fluid of premature infants. Reasons for this include:
- Elevated bilirubin in the blood
- Immaturity of the blood-brain barrier
- Elevated protein in CSF