How should specimens be stored if they cannot be processed immediately?

Specimens must be stored at the recommended temperature for each specific type of specimen to ensure their integrity and reliability for testing. Different biological specimens, such as blood, urine, or microbiological samples, have varying requirements for storage temperatures in order to preserve their viability and prevent degradation.

For instance, some specimens might need refrigeration to slow down the metabolic processes and inhibit the growth of bacteria, while others may require freezing to halt all biological activity. Storing specimens according to their specific needs is crucial for obtaining accurate results in lab analyses and diagnostics.

Regarding other options, storing specimens at room temperature could lead to instability and changes in the sample, rendering it unsuitable for testing. Using any available container may compromise the specimen’s integrity if the container is not designed for that type of specimen or is not sterile. Lastly, indiscriminately freezing specimens regardless of their type may result in the formation of ice crystals that can damage cellular structures and alter the composition of the sample, leading to incorrect test results.