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Module GLP-05 · Version 1.0

Transport, Temperature, Time, and Stability

A specimen changes between collection and analysis. A delayed, warm, or light-exposed specimen can be biased even when its container and identity are intact; separate biological stability from physical integrity and identification security, and walk an emergency-department specimen set through a transport excursion so you can document it and choose a defensible next step.

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Who this module is for

Clinical laboratory staff and trainees who collect, transport, receive, or process specimens before analysis

Learning objectives

  • Distinguish biological stability from physical integrity and identification security
  • Predict how cellular metabolism, gas exchange, degradation, leakage, evaporation, adsorption, and light exposure can affect a delayed or mishandled specimen
  • Apply transport monitoring and exception documentation to receipt, stability, and release decisions.

How completion works

Mark every required section done and answer every knowledge check in those sections correctly. The final save completes the module automatically.

Sources

13 sources

  1. 1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. 42 CFR Part 493, Subpart J, § 493.1231; Subpart K, §§ 493.1251-493.1252. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-G/part-493.

    Source note · federal regulation

  2. 2. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. PRE04, Handling, Transport, Processing, and Storage of Blood Specimens for Routine Laboratory Examinations, 1st ed., August 2023. https://clsi.org/standards/products/preexamination-processes/documents/pre04/.

    Source note · consensus standard

  3. 3. College of American Pathologists. All Common Checklist, COM.06300 Specimen Rejection Criteria (Phase II). CAP Accreditation Program, 12.09.2025 edition.

    Source note · accreditation standard

  4. 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for Safe Work Practices in Human and Animal Medical Diagnostic Laboratories. MMWR Suppl. 2012;61(1):1-102. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su6101a1.htm.

    Source note · federal guidance

  5. 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Specimen Storage and Shipping Guidance. https://www.cdc.gov/laboratory/specimen-submission/pdf/Specimen-Packing-and-Shipping-Guidance-Infectious-Diseases-Laboratories.pdf.

    Source note · federal guidance

  6. 6. Sacks DB, et al. Guidelines and Recommendations for Laboratory Analysis in the Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes Mellitus. Clinical Chemistry. 2023;69:808-868. https://academic.oup.com/clinchem/article/69/8/808/7226244.

    Source note · professional society guidance

  7. 7. Koulouris A, et al. The stability of blood gases and CO-oximetry under slushed ice and room temperature conditions. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2022-1085.

    Source note · peer-reviewed literature

  8. 8. Da Rin G, et al. The evidence based practice for optimal sample quality for ammonia measurement. Clin Biochem. 2014;47:1178-1181. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24915632/.

    Source note · peer-reviewed literature

  9. 9. Howanitz JH, Howanitz PJ. Influences of specimen processing and storage conditions on results for plasma ammonia. Clin Chem. 1984;30:906-908. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6723050/.

    Source note · peer-reviewed literature

  10. 10. Mrazek C, et al. Stability of Whole Blood Lactate Specimens at Room Temperature Versus Slushed Ice Conditions. J Appl Lab Med. 2020;5:1007-1014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32873752/.

    Source note · peer-reviewed literature

  11. 11. Torsvik J, et al. Effects of temperature and light on the stability of bilirubin in plasma samples. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2012;50:1021-1025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22108388/.

    Source note · peer-reviewed literature

  12. 12. Nybo M, Lund ME, Titlestad K, Maegaard C. Blood Sample Transportation by Pneumatic Transportation Systems: A Systematic Literature Review. Clin Chem. 2018;64:782-790. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29222338/.

    Source note · peer-reviewed literature

  13. 13. Lippi G, et al. Recommendation for the design of stability studies on clinical specimens. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2023;61:1168-1177. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37021544/.

    Source note · professional society guidance