How should blood samples be transported to the laboratory?

The correct approach to transporting blood samples to the laboratory involves maintaining the integrity of the samples by ensuring they are in an upright position and kept within a specified temperature range. This is crucial because many blood tests are sensitive to temperature changes that can alter the composition of the sample and affect test results. Transporting samples upright helps prevent hemolysis, which can occur if blood cells are subjected to stress during transport. Moreover, maintaining a specified temperature range is vital for preserving the stability of analytes in the samples, ensuring they remain viable for testing when they reach the laboratory.

In contrast, transporting samples flat or at room temperature could lead to inaccuracies due to potential degradation or contamination of the samples. Using ice packs, while sometimes appropriate for certain tests that require cooling, is not a blanket recommendation for all samples. Finally, refrigeration during transport is typically not suitable since it can cause other types of sample degradation depending on the analytes being tested. Therefore, the most comprehensive method that addresses these concerns is to maintain the samples upright and within the specified temperature range.