In a laboratory setting, how should serums collected be handled for maximum integrity?

Handling serums in a laboratory setting for maximum integrity involves a crucial step: centrifugation as soon as possible after collection. This process is essential because it helps separate the serum from the cellular components of the blood. By spinning the sample at high speeds, the cells and clotting factors are settled at the bottom of the tube, allowing for the serum to be transferred without contamination.

Centrifugation should be done relatively quickly after collection to prevent any changes in the biochemical composition of the serum. Delayed processing can lead to degradation or alteration of certain analytes due to ongoing metabolic processes or the effects of temperature and time.

While refrigerating can be important for preserving some samples, it does not replace the necessity of centrifugation. Leaving serum at room temperature could compromise the sample's integrity by allowing for the continuation of cellular activity. Storing in a dark environment can be beneficial for sensitive materials, but it does not address the critical initial step of separating serum from cells. Thus, performing centrifugation promptly is the best practice to ensure that the serum maintains its integrity for accurate testing.