Why must a blood sample be transported to the laboratory promptly?

Transporting a blood sample to the laboratory promptly is crucial primarily to prevent degradation of the specimen. Blood samples can be sensitive to changes in temperature, pH, and the presence of certain enzymes or bacteria, which can occur if there is a delay in processing. Over time, the quality of the sample can deteriorate, leading to inaccurate test results. For example, cellular components may break down, and metabolites might change, altering the intended diagnostic outcomes. Therefore, timely transport helps ensure that the laboratory receives a specimen that accurately reflects the patient's current health status, allowing for reliable analysis and diagnosis.

While maintaining privacy, avoiding contamination, and ensuring proper labeling are essential components of specimen handling, they do not directly relate to the chemical and physical integrity of the blood sample itself, which is the primary concern when considering the timeliness of transport to the laboratory.