Effects of Time Delay in Processing Common Clinical Biochemical Parameters in an Accredited Laboratory

INTRODUCTION: Analyte stability time is challenging to employ in clinical settings. The diversity of processing time may affect the accuracy of results. This study evaluates the maximum time delay permissible before sample centrifugation and analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 15 serum electrolytes in 40 samples centrifuged and analysed using an automated analyser. The time was divided into 1, 2, 6, and 24 hours. RESULTS: Most analytes studied remained stable for up to 24 hours before centrifugation. However, delayed processing affected the value of potassium, magnesium, LDH, and calcium after 2 hours up to a maximum of 6 hours at room temperature for total protein, phosphate, and sodium. CONCLUSIONS: Most analytes were unaffected by a delay in centrifugation at room temperatures, but several critical analytes were severely affected.