Which body fluid can be refrigerated?

Which body fluid can be refrigerated?

• A. Blood
• B. Urine
• C. Saliva
• D. Sweat

Answer: (B)

Cooling preserves the sample by slowing down bacterial growth and chemical changes that can alter its constituents. Urine is routinely refrigerated because once collected it can easily become contaminated with bacteria and show changes in components like glucose, protein, or cells if kept at room temperature. Cooling at 2–8°C slows these processes, helping ensure the test results reflect the original sample rather than what happened during storage. If testing is delayed, urine is commonly kept cold for up to 24 hours, and sometimes longer with specific preservation methods. Blood samples have more variable handling needs depending on the test, and some components can be affected by refrigeration or require immediate processing. Saliva and sweat are less routinely refrigerated for routine lab testing and are often processed or stored under different conditions, so they’re not the standard choice for “can be refrigerated” in this context.

Cooling preserves the sample by slowing down bacterial growth and chemical changes that can alter its constituents. Urine is routinely refrigerated because once collected it can easily become contaminated with bacteria and show changes in components like glucose, protein, or cells if kept at room temperature. Cooling at 2–8°C slows these processes, helping ensure the test results reflect the original sample rather than what happened during storage. If testing is delayed, urine is commonly kept cold for up to 24 hours, and sometimes longer with specific preservation methods.

Blood samples have more variable handling needs depending on the test, and some components can be affected by refrigeration or require immediate processing. Saliva and sweat are less routinely refrigerated for routine lab testing and are often processed or stored under different conditions, so they’re not the standard choice for “can be refrigerated” in this context.