What temperature is required for blood specimens?

Requirements vary by test — from room temperature to refrigerated (2–8°C) to frozen (-20°C or -80°C). Specify requirements in your booking.

Room temperature: Most routine blood tubes (SST, EDTA, citrate) are stable at 18–25°C for several hours after collection

Refrigerated (2–8°C): Many hormones, some cytokines, and stability-sensitive analytes; providers use cold packs in insulated bags

Frozen (-20°C): Extended stability for many specialty analytes; requires dry ice shipping

Frozen (-80°C): Research specimens and some highly sensitive biomarkers; requires special dry ice packaging

Always confirm temperature requirements with the ordering lab before scheduling.