Will Delayed Blood Storage Affect RT-PCR Test Accuracy?

Q: Will Delayed Blood Storage Affect RT-PCR Test Accuracy?

Hello, sir： Thank you for your inquiry. <br>I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions： If the specimens are properly preserved, it is still possible to conduct tests. <br>If you have concerns, you can consider follow-up testing after three mon

May I ask the doctor?

Doctor, I found a medical laboratory on a website in Aichi and had my blood drawn for RT-PCR testing on the 19th.
Today, I called them, and they said they are closed for spring break.
The molecular testing lab in Taipei will not resume operations until the 31st.
Given that my blood has been stored for so many days before testing, will it still be accurate?

rt-pcr, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/01/29

Dr. Lin Wenxu reply Urology

Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry.
I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: If the specimens are properly preserved, it is still possible to conduct tests.
If you have concerns, you can consider follow-up testing after three months.
The most important thing is to maintain healthy and safe behaviors.
Lastly, I wish you peace and happiness!

Reply Date: 2009/01/29

More Info

Delayed blood storage can indeed affect the accuracy of RT-PCR tests, particularly when it comes to the detection of viral RNA, such as that of the SARS-CoV-2 virus or HIV. The integrity of the sample is crucial for obtaining reliable results, and prolonged storage can lead to degradation of the RNA, which may result in false-negative or inconclusive test outcomes.

When blood samples are collected for RT-PCR testing, they should ideally be processed and analyzed as soon as possible. The reason for this is that RNA is inherently less stable than DNA and can degrade over time, especially if not stored under optimal conditions. Factors such as temperature, the presence of enzymes that degrade RNA (like RNases), and the duration of storage all play significant roles in the stability of the sample.

In your case, if the blood sample has been stored for an extended period due to the holiday closure of the testing facility, there is a possibility that the viral RNA may have degraded, which could compromise the accuracy of the RT-PCR results. While some laboratories may have protocols in place to preserve samples for a limited time, the effectiveness of these methods can vary.

If you are concerned about the accuracy of the test results due to the delay in processing, it may be advisable to consider retesting. This is particularly important if you are experiencing symptoms or have had potential exposure to a virus that the RT-PCR test is designed to detect. Additionally, if the test is being conducted for the purpose of diagnosing an active infection, ensuring that the sample is as fresh as possible is critical for obtaining a reliable result.

In summary, while it is possible that your blood sample may still yield results, the accuracy of those results could be compromised due to the delay in processing. If you have any doubts or concerns, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider about the need for retesting or alternative testing options. They can provide guidance based on your specific situation and health history, ensuring that you receive the most accurate and timely information regarding your health.

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