How should blood specimens be stored if they cannot be processed immediately?

Blood specimens should be stored in a refrigerator if they cannot be processed immediately to preserve their stability and integrity. Refrigeration slows down the metabolic processes of cells and helps to maintain the viability of various components such as enzymes, proteins, and cellular elements, which are crucial for accurate test results. Most blood specimens should ideally be kept at temperatures between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit) to prevent degradation.

Storage at room temperature can lead to changes in the blood composition due to cellular metabolism, bacterial growth, and other factors that may compromise sample quality. Freezing blood specimens can cause the formation of ice crystals that may rupture cells, making the sample unsuitable for analysis. Direct sunlight can also lead to the degradation of certain analytes in the blood, negatively affecting test outcomes. Thus, refrigeration is the most suitable method for storing blood specimens temporarily before processing.