What is important to consider before reading a urine sample after refrigeration?

Before reading a urine sample that has been refrigerated, it is crucial to consider the normalization of temperature. When a urine sample is chilled, its components can behave differently than they would at room temperature, affecting the readings of certain parameters.

Bringing the sample back to room temperature ensures that the physical and chemical properties stabilize, providing more accurate results. For instance, certain reactants can alter in interpretation at different temperatures, potentially leading to misinterpretation if the sample is analyzed cold. This is particularly important for tests that rely on enzymatic reactions that are temperature sensitive.

Other factors like color changes, volume variations, and pH alterations may occur due to the refrigeration process, but they are secondary considerations. The primary goal is to ensure that the sample is at the appropriate temperature to ensure all subsequent readings are reliable.