If a sample is to be shipped out to a reference lab, how should it be stored?

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Multiple Choice

If a sample is to be shipped out to a reference lab, how should it be stored?

When a sample is headed to a reference lab, keeping it in the right condition during transport is essential to preserve what will be measured. The best approach uses a temperature plan that matches how long the shipment will take: if the trip could last more than about eight hours, refrigerate at 1–8 °C to slow down degradation; if it might take more than about forty-eight hours, freeze at -20 °C to stop most degradation more effectively. Room temperature allows rapid deterioration for many specimens, and just storing at 4 °C is only reliable for relatively short delays. The temperature plan that specifies refrigeration for longer-than-eight-hour delays and freezing for longer-than-forty-eight-hour delays covers the common shipping scenarios and helps ensure the sample remains analyzable upon arrival.

When a sample is headed to a reference lab, keeping it in the right condition during transport is essential to preserve what will be measured. The best approach uses a temperature plan that matches how long the shipment will take: if the trip could last more than about eight hours, refrigerate at 1–8 °C to slow down degradation; if it might take more than about forty-eight hours, freeze at -20 °C to stop most degradation more effectively. Room temperature allows rapid deterioration for many specimens, and just storing at 4 °C is only reliable for relatively short delays. The temperature plan that specifies refrigeration for longer-than-eight-hour delays and freezing for longer-than-forty-eight-hour delays covers the common shipping scenarios and helps ensure the sample remains analyzable upon arrival.

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