Which analyte should be kept on ice and not analyzed at room temperature?

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Multiple Choice

Which analyte should be kept on ice and not analyzed at room temperature?

Explanation:
Ammonia in a blood sample is extremely unstable and volatile. After collection, ongoing enzymatic activity and bacterial processes can generate or alter ammonia levels, and ammonia can also diffuse in and out of the sample. Keeping the specimen on ice slows these processes, preserving the in vivo concentration until analysis. That’s why ammonia must be iced and processed promptly to avoid artifactual changes. Total cholesterol is fairly stable at room temperature for typical handling times, so it doesn't require immediate chilling. Lactate and pyruvate are also sensitive to ongoing glycolysis and metabolic changes, but the standout reason for iced handling is the high instability and volatility of ammonia.

Ammonia in a blood sample is extremely unstable and volatile. After collection, ongoing enzymatic activity and bacterial processes can generate or alter ammonia levels, and ammonia can also diffuse in and out of the sample. Keeping the specimen on ice slows these processes, preserving the in vivo concentration until analysis. That’s why ammonia must be iced and processed promptly to avoid artifactual changes.

Total cholesterol is fairly stable at room temperature for typical handling times, so it doesn't require immediate chilling. Lactate and pyruvate are also sensitive to ongoing glycolysis and metabolic changes, but the standout reason for iced handling is the high instability and volatility of ammonia.

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