What is the maximum time for specimens in temporary storage?
There is no specified time limit that a sample has to reach the testing laboratory and there is no specified time limit on how long the samples can be stored. Our guidance is to send samples to the lab as soon as possible in order to maintain the integrity and stability of the sample. The most important thing is that the chain of custody appropriately reflects the collection date, time the sample was placed in and removed from temporary storage, and ship date to the lab. It is important that the samples remain in temporary storage under strict chain of custody the entire time they are waiting to be shipped. The Commander needs to understand, however, that the metabolites that are tested for by our labs degrade over time, especially in extreme temperatures. Therefore, these specimens may all test negative due to metabolite degradation.
