According to guidelines, after how long should a urine specimen be refrigerated if left at room temperature?

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Multiple Choice

According to guidelines, after how long should a urine specimen be refrigerated if left at room temperature?

Explanation:
Urine samples can change rapidly when left at room temperature, so prompt cooling helps preserve the accuracy of test results. Refrigerating within one hour slows bacterial growth and minimizes shifts in components like glucose, ketones, and pH, which can otherwise alter the test outcomes. If the sample isn’t cooled promptly, these changes can lead to unreliable results. So, the recommended practice is to refrigerate within one hour (60 minutes) of collection.

Urine samples can change rapidly when left at room temperature, so prompt cooling helps preserve the accuracy of test results. Refrigerating within one hour slows bacterial growth and minimizes shifts in components like glucose, ketones, and pH, which can otherwise alter the test outcomes. If the sample isn’t cooled promptly, these changes can lead to unreliable results. So, the recommended practice is to refrigerate within one hour (60 minutes) of collection.

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