Refrigerator Temperatures

This version of the course is no longer available.
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course . Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about (online CE course)
Refrigerator Temperatures

Some specimens must be kept refrigerated following collection to avoid changes that will affect the test results. Laboratory refrigerators are kept at 4°C, with an acceptable range of 2-8°C. Refrigerated specimens must be maintained between 2-8º C during transportation. Examples of specimens that need to be kept refrigerated include:
  • Albumin (ALB)
  • Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
  • Alanine amino transferase (ALT)
  • Aspartate amino transferase (AST)
  • Ammonia (AMM)
  • Arterial blood gases (ABG)
  • Autoimmune antibody testing
  • Certain viral tests
Some laboratories may require specimens for coagulation testing to be cooled.
Methods for transporting specimens needing to be refrigerated include:
  • Plastic cooling blocks that hold blood collection tubes.
  • Plastic cups with a slurry of wet ice and water. Tubes or cups must never be inserted into a cup of ice as this may result in super cooling and freezing at the tube or cup surface invalidating the test results.
  • Frozen gel packs.
  • Insulated coolers that must have a tight-fitting lid and maintain refrigerator temperature.