How does improper sample handling affect samples?
If a patient has a low viral load to begin with, the natural degradation of the viral RNA that can occur if samples are improperly handled might make it difficult to amplify the sample sufficiently to get an accurate result. If the patient has a high viral load, the impact of leaving a sample out a few extra minutes before spinning or freezing might not be as noticeable, but you still run the risk that you might not amplify all of the significant quasi-species (viral variants) that have developed within the patient.
