Effect of duration and temperature of storage on serum analyte stability: examination of 14 selected radioimmunoassay procedures.

We determined appropriate temperatures for sample storage and the resulting stability of 14 analytes commonly radioimmunoassayed in the clinical laboratory. Serum specimens to be tested for concentrations of cholylglycine, cortisol, digoxin, ferritin, follitropin, immunoglobulin E, lutropin, prolactin, thyroxin (also blood-spot thyroxin), triiodothyronine, and triiodothyronine uptake could be stored for up to two weeks at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen without any loss of analyte activity. Specimens for insulin testing require freezing or refrigeration, and specimens for gastrin testing should be stored at -70 degrees C for optimal results.