Shameen Shazaib: Sample Transport and Storage – Maintaining Specimen Integrity
Shameen Shazaib, Medical Laboratory Technologist, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“30 Days of Laboratory Essentials
Sample Transport and Storage — Maintaining Specimen Integrity
Proper sample transport and storage are critical steps in the pre-analytical phase that directly impact the accuracy of laboratory results.
Even a correctly collected sample can become unreliable if not handled under appropriate conditions.
Why is proper transport and storage important?
Incorrect handling can lead to:
- Hemolysis
- Bacterial growth
- Degradation of analytes
- Changes in pH and gases
This can result in inaccurate or misleading results.
Key factors affecting sample integrity
- Temperature (room temp, refrigerated, frozen)
- Time delay before analysis
- Light exposure (e.g., bilirubin-sensitive samples)
- Proper labeling and packaging
Examples in practice
- Blood gases must be analyzed immediately
- Serum samples should be separated promptly
- Some tests require cold chain transport
- Bilirubin samples should be protected from light
Common errors
- Delayed transport to the laboratory
- Exposure to incorrect temperatures
- Improper tube handling
- Mislabeling or leakage
Key Points
- Always follow transport and storage guidelines
- Maintain sample integrity from collection to analysis
- Use appropriate containers and conditions
- Proper handling ensures accurate patient results
Maintaining proper transport and storage conditions is essential for reliable diagnostics and patient safety.”
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