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Transport and storage of samples
Best Practice Guidelines
This guideline is for use by GP practices in order to provide information regarding stability and best practice for blood and urine sample storage. For further advice please contact the relevant laboratory (see the Pathology page for contact details).
- Samples should be sent to the laboratory on the day of collection, via the next transport
- Blood samples (particularly serum samples) should be stored at room temperature until transported
- For all samples, do not expose to extremes of temperature (e.g. near a radiator, in a freezer, outside during winter), and do not expose to direct sunlight
- If samples cannot be sent to the laboratory on the day of collection (e.g. venepuncture performed after the last transport), then these guidelines should be followed
- Urines can be stored in a fridge (2-8oC)
- Serum samples left overnight will be unsuitable for some tests (e.g. potassium, phosphate, LDH, glucose) unless they are centrifuged
- If a centrifuge is available, first allow the blood to clot at room temperature (~20 mins), then spin samples at 3000 g for 5 minutes
- Following centrifugation serum samples can be stored in a fridge (2-8oC)
- Other blood samples (e.g. EDTA, citrate, fluoride) can be stored in a fridge (2-8oC)
- Note that any delay in receipt by the laboratory may affect the integrity of the samples, and most tests are not suitable for analysis if the sample takes >24h to reach the lab