Final answer:
The specimen that should be refrigerated before transportation is Cold Agglutinins. This is to prevent autoantibodies from activating and to preserve the sample's integrity. Proper specimen handling is crucial for accurate laboratory results.
Step-by-step explanation:
Specimen Handling and Transportation
Among the options provided, the specimen that should be refrigerated before transportation is Cold Agglutinins. These are specific autoantibodies that cause red blood cells to clump together at low temperatures, which can lead to conditions such as cold agglutinin disease. It is necessary to store and transport the blood sample chilled to prevent the activation of these autoantibodies and preserve the integrity of the specimen.
Specimens such as Lactic Acid, Cryofibrinogen, and Bilirubin have different handling and transportation requirements. For example, Bilirubin samples should be protected from light to avoid degradation, while Cryofibrinogen requires specialized handling as it is involved with clotting disorders. Transporting specimens at inappropriate temperatures could lead to inaccurate laboratory results.
In medical diagnostics, handling specimens properly ensures accurate testing and results. Laboratories have specific protocols for specimen collection, storage, and transportation to maintain the stability of the sample.