What blood tests need to be frozen?

What blood tests need to be frozen?

Certain analytes must be preserved prior to analysis by keeping the specimen chilled. To ensure accurate results of such specimens, transport them in ice slurry. i.e. ACTH, Acetone, Angiostensin Converting Enzyme (ACE), Blood Ammonia, Catecholamines, Free Fatty Acids, Lactic Acid, Pyruvate, Renin Activity.

Why should samples be submitted on ice?

By putting a sample on ice, you reduce the temperature of the sample. ILRs are volatile, meaning they are trying to get into the air.

What happens if blood sample freezes?

Freezing blood is not recommended, as it inevitably produces cell damage. One freeze-thaw may potentially be tolerated (if thawing is at 15–30°C), but two freeze-thaws is generally thought to render the sample unusable for molecular studies (freeze-thaw cycles lyse cells, and then cells release nucleases).

What is a Cryoglobulin blood test for?

A cryoglobulins test is used to help detect the presence and relative quantity of cryoglobulins in the blood. It may be ordered along with other tests to help determine or rule out potential causes of cryoglobulinemia. The tests ordered depend on what condition or disease is suspected.

Why is it said that frozen serum samples should not be used for tests?

Repeated freezing and thawing of serum samples for IgM testing should be avoided, as it may have detrimental effects on the stability of IgM antibodies.

Can blood samples be frozen?

If assays are not completed within 7 days, or the sample is to be stored beyond 7 days, samples should be frozen at -15°C to -20°C. Frozen samples are stable for 3 months and should be thawed only once. Analyte deterioration may occur in samples that are repeatedly frozen and thawed.

What blood tests need to be protected from light?

As such, laboratory practice mandates blood specimens for B12 and folate testing be protected from light after blood collection by wrapping the blood collection tube in aluminum foil or a commercially available light retardant wrap (eg, Coban, 3M, St. Paul, MN).

Can frozen blood be used?

We know plenty about it and it is considered very safe to use. Only a small amount added to blood disrupts the behaviour of the thawing ice crystals and means the blood cells safely survive being thawed from frozen.

Do Cryoglobulins go away?

As hepatitis C goes away, the cryoglobulins will disappear in about one half of all people over the next 12 months. Your provider will continue to monitor the cryoglobulins after treatment. Severe cryoglobulinemia vasculitis involves vital organs or large areas of skin.

What does a positive Cryoglobulin test mean?

A negative test result means the antibodies in your blood stay dissolved even when the blood is chilled. If you test positive for cryoglobulins, it means these proteins became visibly thickened when your blood sample was chilled.

What happens to blood samples after testing?

But the act of taking blood is very safe and most patients find it painless. Using a hypodermic needle, a phlebotomist will take one or more tubes of blood using a vacuum system. This helps us to get several samples to run multiple tests with just one prick of the needle. Find out more about the phlebotomy procedure.

Why do blood samples need to be refrigerated?

Biochemistry blood samples may be stored refrigerated (4-8°C), but please be aware that the integrity of these samples will be compromised, resulting in spurious results, particularly (but not limited to) plasma sodium, potassium, phosphate, LDH. These samples should be sent to the laboratory the next morning.

Should serum samples be frozen for immunoglobulin A testing?

When kept for longer periods, serum samples should be frozen at −20°C or lower and transported to the testing laboratory on frozen ice packs. Repeated freezing and thawing of serum samples for IgM testing should be avoided, as it may have detrimental effects on the stability of IgM antibodies.

What is the best temperature to store blood samples?

Temperature: Maintain appropriate sample temperature. Depending on the sample use, one of three temperatures will typically be specified for blood sample storage: room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen. Room temperature is specified as between 15 and 30°C; refrigeration temperature is between 2 and 10°C; frozen temperature is at or below 20°C.

How long can blood be stored without refrigeration?

Blood stored longer than three weeks becomes less flexible and less able to fit in the body’s smallest capillaries. Depending on the blood’s future use, longer storage without refrigerated or frozen temperatures can jeopardize its viability.

What is the best way to preserve blood samples for analysis?

Whole blood can freeze at -20°C or even colder to preserve serum samples for later analysis. Plasma samples can also be used for serological diagnosis (blood should be cooled in an ice bath and centrifuged as soon as possible; then the plasma should be separated immediately after centrifuging).