Which temperature should urine samples be stored at if analysis is delayed?

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Multiple Choice

Which temperature should urine samples be stored at if analysis is delayed?

Preserving urine sample integrity relies on keeping it cold when analysis is delayed. Room temperature allows bacteria to multiply and enzymes to alter the urine’s constituents, which can change measured substances and bias results. Freezing at -20°C can be used for longer-term storage, but many urine components aren’t stable through freezing and thawing, and some tests don’t tolerate freezing. Refrigeration in the 2-8°C range slows degradation effectively without freezing artifacts, making it the standard choice for delayed analysis. While 4°C is also cold, using 2-8°C aligns with typical guidelines for preserving a broad range of urinary analytes.

Preserving urine sample integrity relies on keeping it cold when analysis is delayed. Room temperature allows bacteria to multiply and enzymes to alter the urine’s constituents, which can change measured substances and bias results. Freezing at -20°C can be used for longer-term storage, but many urine components aren’t stable through freezing and thawing, and some tests don’t tolerate freezing. Refrigeration in the 2-8°C range slows degradation effectively without freezing artifacts, making it the standard choice for delayed analysis. While 4°C is also cold, using 2-8°C aligns with typical guidelines for preserving a broad range of urinary analytes.

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