Why is timely transportation of samples important?

Timely transportation of samples is essential because it directly affects the integrity and accuracy of the test results. When samples are collected, they often contain biological material that can degrade or change over time due to factors such as temperature, exposure to light, and the potential growth of microorganisms. If samples are not transported promptly, these factors can lead to alterations in the sample composition, which in turn can yield unreliable results during testing.

Maintaining sample integrity ensures that the data obtained from testing can be trusted and accurately reflects the patient's condition or the health status being assessed. Thus, timely transportation is critical for ensuring that the results are both valid and useful for diagnosis, treatment plans, or further research.