How should you transport specimens to the lab to maintain integrity?

• A. In a sealed transport bag with proper labeling, appropriate temperature control, and timely delivery.
• B. Hand-delivered in a non-sealed envelope.
• C. Unsealed bag with no temperature control.
• D. Transport in a standard mail package.

Answer: (C)

Maintaining specimen integrity relies on proper containment, clear labeling, temperature control, and timely delivery. A sealed transport bag with secondary containment prevents leaks and contamination, while labeling ensures correct patient identification and the tests to be performed. Temperature control protects analyte stability, since many samples degrade or change with heat, cold, or temperature swings. Timely delivery minimizes changes during transit, preserving the specimen’s accuracy for testing. Unsealed bags, non-sealed envelopes, or packaging that doesn’t guarantee temperature control and speed can lead to leaks, contamination, or degraded results. Standard mail packaging likewise lacks the required containment, labeling, and prompt handling. So the best approach is a sealed transport bag with proper labeling, appropriate temperature control, and timely delivery.