Sample Storage Artifact
What is Sample Storage Artifact?
A sample storage artifact is a laboratory finding that occurs when blood samples sit too long before testing. Red blood cells begin to swell as they absorb water from the surrounding plasma. This swelling dilutes the hemoglobin inside each cell.
When cells swell and hemoglobin gets diluted, your Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration or MCHC appears falsely low on test results. MCHC measures how much hemoglobin is packed into your red blood cells. The actual amount of hemoglobin hasn't changed, but the test reading becomes inaccurate due to timing.
Sample storage artifacts are not a medical condition. They represent a testing quality issue. Blood samples should be analyzed within 24 hours of collection to avoid this problem. Proper handling and quick processing ensure your results reflect your true health status.
Symptoms
- Falsely low MCHC readings on blood test results
- Test results that don't match your symptoms or clinical picture
- Inconsistent findings compared to previous blood work
- Lab notes indicating prolonged sample storage time
- Results that require retesting for confirmation
Storage artifacts don't cause physical symptoms because they're not a health problem. They only affect the accuracy of your lab results. Your body feels completely normal while the test sample changes in the tube.
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Causes and risk factors
Sample storage artifacts happen when blood specimens aren't processed quickly enough after collection. Red blood cells naturally take up water when sitting in collection tubes for extended periods. The longer the delay between blood draw and laboratory analysis, the more swelling occurs. Temperature fluctuations during transport or storage can speed up this process. Most labs aim to analyze samples within 24 hours to prevent these changes.
Risk factors for storage artifacts include delays in specimen pickup, shipping problems to distant labs, and weekend or holiday collection when labs operate on reduced schedules. Rural areas with longer transport distances face higher risk. Busy collection sites that batch specimens may also see timing issues. These are logistical problems, not health conditions.
How it's diagnosed
Healthcare providers identify sample storage artifacts by looking at test timing and result patterns. A falsely low MCHC that doesn't match other red blood cell measurements suggests a storage issue. Your doctor may compare current results to previous blood work to spot inconsistencies. Lab reports often include collection and processing times that reveal delays.
The solution is simple retesting with proper timing. Rite Aid partners with Quest Diagnostics, which has roughly 2,000 locations nationwide for convenient testing. Our network prioritizes quick sample processing to minimize storage artifacts. When samples reach the lab promptly, your MCHC and other biomarkers reflect your actual health accurately.
Treatment options
- Request immediate retesting if storage artifact is suspected
- Choose testing locations with reliable same-day or next-day lab processing
- Schedule blood draws early in the week to avoid weekend delays
- Confirm the lab's sample handling procedures and turnaround times
- Ask your provider about collection timing if you have concerns
- Review complete blood count results together, not single values in isolation
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- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
MCHC appears falsely low when blood samples sit too long before testing. Red blood cells absorb water and swell, diluting the hemoglobin concentration inside. This makes the test reading inaccurate even though your actual hemoglobin levels haven't changed. Proper sample handling within 24 hours prevents this artifact.
Blood samples should be analyzed within 24 hours of collection for accurate results. After this window, red blood cells begin swelling significantly as they take up water. Temperature changes and longer delays increase the risk of storage artifacts. Most quality labs prioritize quick processing to maintain result accuracy.
Choose testing locations with fast lab turnaround and nearby processing facilities. Schedule blood draws early in the week to avoid weekend processing delays. Ask the collection site about their typical time from draw to analysis. Using a reliable lab network like Quest Diagnostics helps ensure proper sample handling.
Talk to your healthcare provider about retesting if results don't match your symptoms or previous blood work. Ask about the timing between collection and lab analysis. Your doctor can order a fresh sample with expedited processing. Comparing multiple test values together also helps identify artifacts versus true health changes.
No, storage artifacts are testing quality issues, not medical conditions. Your body and blood are healthy. Only the test specimen changed while sitting in the collection tube. Retesting with proper timing will show your true health status without the artifact affecting results.
Doctors compare MCHC to other red blood cell measurements like hemoglobin, hematocrit, and cell size. They review collection and processing times on lab reports. Inconsistencies with previous results or symptoms suggest an artifact. When in doubt, retesting with confirmed quick processing settles the question.
Most insurance plans cover medically necessary retesting when initial results are questionable. Lab errors or quality issues typically qualify for repeat testing without patient cost. Check with your provider and insurance company about specific coverage. Some people choose subscription services like Rite Aid for predictable testing costs.
Yes, prolonged storage can affect multiple biomarkers. Potassium levels may rise as cells break down. Glucose levels may drop as cells consume sugar. White blood cell counts can become inaccurate. This is why labs have strict timing protocols for different test types to ensure reliable results across your entire panel.
Ask the collection site about their typical turnaround from draw to analysis. Check if the lab is on-site or requires specimen transport. Look for labs accredited by organizations that enforce quality standards. Large networks like Quest Diagnostics have established protocols to minimize processing delays and maintain result accuracy.
Don't worry, as storage artifacts are common and easily resolved through retesting. They reflect timing issues, not your health. Work with your provider to get a fresh sample processed promptly. Most people get accurate results the second time when proper handling procedures are followed.