Final answer:
The CBC specimen should be stored at room temperature (20°C to 25°C) until the lab reopens for processing. Refrigeration may be used for longer storage, but it's important to follow lab guidelines to ensure sample integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proper temperature for preserving a CBC (Complete Blood Count) specimen, when processing is delayed, is typically at room temperature, which is around 20°C to 25°C. If the specimen were to be stored for a more extended period, refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C might be recommended to preserve the integrity of the blood cells. However, it's important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the lab or the test manufacturer, as different preservatives in collection tubes might require different storage conditions.
For the scenario described, where the lab closed at 1730 and will not process specimens until 0500 the next morning, the CBC specimen should ideally be kept at room temperature unless otherwise specified. This precaution helps to ensure that the cellular components of the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, do not undergo significant degradation or changes that could affect the test results.
In conclusion, maintaining the correct storage temperature is crucial for the accuracy of the CBC results. Should the need for longer-term storage arise, then refrigeration may be considered, keeping in mind that the temperature should not reach freezing point as it could cause cell lysis and render the sample unusable for analysis.