Which specimen requires chilling during transfer to the lab?

Chilling is a critical step in the handling of arterial blood gases during transfer to the lab because it helps to preserve the integrity of the sample by slowing down metabolic processes. This is essential for maintaining the accuracy of the measurements of pH, carbon dioxide, and oxygen levels in the blood.

Arterial blood gases are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature, as elevated temperatures can lead to increased metabolic activity, which potentially alters the concentrations of gases and other parameters in the sample. By chilling the specimen, the metabolic rate is minimized, thereby ensuring that the values obtained in the laboratory reflect the true physiologic conditions of the patient at the time of collection.

This careful handling allows for reliable diagnosis and treatment monitoring in various clinical situations, making it a crucial aspect of laboratory practices concerning arterial blood sampling.