Will the test results be altered if the full blood count, serum chemistry, or urine sample sits at room temperature overnight?
Serum enzymes can be affected when the sample is stored at room temperature, especially when the serum has not been separated. Depending on the species and breed, potassium may be artefactually increased, especially when haemolysis is present. Cell morphology is compromised (full blood count) when the sample sits. If a well-made blood smear slide was made at the time of the sample collection, the differential and assessment of the cell morphology and adequacy can still be accurate. Urine pH, crystals and cell morphology change with delayed handling. The most accurate information is always acquired when the urine is evaluated immediately after collection.
