Final answer:
Specimens that require protection from light include Bilirubin and Cryofibrinogens to prevent degradation and ensure accurate test results. Light exposure can cause changes in these specimens, such as the breakdown of bilirubin, leading to issues such as inaccurate detection of jaundice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specimens that require protection from light are Bilirubin and Cryofibrinogens. This preservation measure is necessary because the light can cause degradation of the bilirubin pigment, resulting in inaccurate test results. Bilirubin, derived from the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells, can cause a yellowish tinge in the body if it accumulates due to liver function failure, a condition known as jaundice. Similarly, cryofibrinogens, which are cold-precipitable proteins that may be problematic in certain blood disorders, are also light-sensitive. Specimens such as lactic acid and blood gases (CO2 and O2 binding hemoglobin compounds like carbaminohemoglobin) do not require protection from light for accurate assessment. Thus, when handling and storing these specimens, care must be taken to ensure they are properly protected from light exposure, often using amber-colored tubes or by wrapping the containers in aluminum foil.