What is the recommended storage temperature for most blood specimens before processing?

The recommended storage temperature for most blood specimens before processing is 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. This range is optimal for preserving the integrity of the samples, ensuring that the cellular components and biochemical constituents remain stable and viable for testing. Storing blood specimens at this temperature helps minimize the risk of degradation or changes in the sample that could lead to inaccurate laboratory results.

For instance, room temperature may not adequately preserve certain blood components that can be affected by ambient conditions, leading to potential variations that could compromise testing accuracy. Extremely cold temperatures, such as -20 degrees Celsius, could freeze the samples, causing cellular disruption and altering the composition, which is not ideal for most analyses. Conversely, maintaining a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius could lead to metabolic changes and degeneration of the sample, making it unsuitable for accurate diagnostic evaluations.

Thus, a storage temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius is universally recognized as the best practice for maintaining blood specimens prior to processing, ensuring reliable outcomes in laboratory diagnostics.