What impact does temperature have on blood sample integrity?

Extreme temperatures can cause degradation of blood samples due to several biological and chemical processes that occur at different temperature ranges. When blood samples are exposed to high temperatures, it can result in the denaturation of proteins, destruction of cellular components, and degradation of nucleic acids. These alterations can compromise the accuracy of laboratory tests, as they may affect the viability of certain cells and the stability of analytes of interest.

Conversely, very low temperatures can lead to hemolysis and other forms of damage, making it challenging to interpret the results accurately. Therefore, maintaining appropriate temperature control during the collection, transportation, and storage of blood samples is crucial to ensure their integrity and the validity of subsequent analysis. This understanding is essential for laboratory professionals and those involved in blood sample handling to ensure proper practices are followed.