How long the blood samples will be useful before reaching the laboratory

Question

I went to GP today around 11.00,he wanted to check my blood for arthritis, thyroid, cholestorol and diabetics. He gave me the samples and told me to drop it in nearby hospital where they kept a box on the hallway near reception to collect samples for the laboratory. The box near the reception is not supervised any one can come and drop or take (there were nobody on the reception), there is no laboratory in that hospital, so it will be picked up next day at 9.00am to a hospital which is far away about 1 and half hour drive from here. Now I am concerning about the way my blood samples are kept on a public place without any security and storage conditions (no temperature controll) and also would the blood be usefull for analysis on the laboratory by the time (after 24 hours being at room temperature) it reaches there? I am in Ireland

Answer 1

Do you know there is only one collection per day? Most places run a few a day and at the end of surgery they will most likely be stored at 2-10 degrees if they are still awaiting collection.  Some of the tests you describe will need to be performed soon after collection.  However it sounds like the waiting time will be within the required time frame.  there are rules regarding testing suitability for samples which labs must abide by, so if samples are unsuitable they will be discarded.  I also doubt anyone will pinch your samples, or mess with them...

Answer 2

Hi there,

Blood when exposed to air will begin to caogulate in under 3 minutes.

However most blood samples when taken have a small amount of EDTA which prevent coagulation and decantation of the blood in the vial.

Lab conditions for blood should be no lower that 3 degrees and no higher than 12 degrees.

Blood although is incredibly resilient and strong so the samples should be ok.

The irony is that the samples will be destroyed when they are analysed

Answer 3

The request card should have the date and time the sample was taken, the lab [well the one I work in] will look at this, and if its more then 24 hours ago a note will be made when entering the sample and sent out with the results to take them with caution. If its an exceptionally long time the lab will ask for a repeat or once the report has gone out the GP will make the decision whether to request a repeat. The lab will know what to do or whether results are still valid as long as it has a time and date. Like I said this is only in the lab I work in and its probably different elsewhere. I'm sure if you were to ring the lab during office hours a BMS would be able to help more. Hope this helps! x