Within what time frame should specimens be transported to the laboratory?

• A. 30 minutes
• B. Two hours
• C. Six hours
• D. 24 hours

Answer: (B)

Prompt transport of specimens preserves their integrity for accurate testing. For most routine specimens, the standard guideline is to get them to the laboratory within two hours of collection. This tight window helps prevent degradation, overgrowth of microbes, or chemical changes that could skew results or reduce viability for culture. If transport is delayed, results may become unreliable, so proper handling and timely delivery are key. If delays are unavoidable, specimens are usually kept at the correct temperature (often refrigerated at 2–8°C) and handled according to lab protocols; some specimen types can be held up to 24 hours under refrigeration, but this is not the preferred window and may not apply to all tests. In practice, two hours is the baseline expectation.