How Long Can Blood Be Stored Before Testing?
Blood is a vital component in medical diagnostics and treatments, providing essential information about a patient’s health status. However, the storage of blood samples before testing is a critical concern for healthcare professionals. Ensuring the integrity of the blood sample is crucial to obtain accurate and reliable results. This article aims to explore the duration for which blood can be stored before testing and the factors that influence its stability.
Blood samples are typically stored at low temperatures to slow down metabolic processes and maintain the stability of the sample. The most common storage temperature for blood samples is 2-8 degrees Celsius (36-46 degrees Fahrenheit), which is often referred to as refrigerated storage. Under these conditions, blood can be stored for a relatively long period before testing.
Duration of Blood Storage Before Testing
The duration for which blood can be stored before testing varies depending on the type of test and the specific requirements of the laboratory. Generally, whole blood samples can be stored refrigerated for up to 7 days without significant degradation in test results. However, this duration may be extended to 14 days with proper handling and storage conditions.
On the other hand, plasma or serum samples, which are separated from the blood cells, can be stored for a longer period. Refrigerated plasma or serum samples can be stored for up to 28 days before testing. Frozen plasma or serum samples can be stored for even longer, up to 6 months, as freezing slows down the degradation process.
It is important to note that these durations are general guidelines and may not apply to all laboratory tests. Some tests may require more stringent storage conditions or shorter storage durations to ensure accurate results.
Factors Influencing Blood Stability
Several factors can influence the stability of blood samples during storage, and healthcare professionals must consider these factors to maintain sample integrity:
1. Temperature: As mentioned earlier, maintaining a stable temperature is crucial for blood sample storage. Any fluctuations in temperature can lead to degradation of the sample.
2. Contamination: Contamination from bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms can significantly affect the stability of blood samples. Proper handling and sterility protocols are essential to prevent contamination.
3. Storage containers: The choice of storage containers is also critical. Containers should be sterile, leak-proof, and made of materials that do not interact with the blood sample.
4. Light exposure: Light can degrade certain components of the blood sample, especially when stored for extended periods. Therefore, it is advisable to store blood samples in dark or light-proof containers.
5. Storage duration: The longer the storage duration, the higher the risk of sample degradation. It is important to adhere to the recommended storage durations for each test to ensure accurate results.
In conclusion, the duration for which blood can be stored before testing depends on various factors, including the type of test, storage conditions, and sample handling. Healthcare professionals must follow proper storage protocols to maintain the integrity of blood samples and ensure accurate and reliable test results.
