What is the maximum amount of time blood should sit before being centrifuged in a gold tube?

The recommendation for allowing blood to sit before centrifugation in a gold tube, which is typically used for serum tests, is a maximum of two hours. This timeframe is crucial because after blood samples are taken, they need to be processed promptly to ensure accurate test results.

When blood sits too long, there is a risk of cellular metabolism continuing, leading to changes in the composition of the serum. For instance, glucose levels can decrease due to utilization by cells, and other biochemical parameters might be altered as well. By adhering to the two-hour guideline, the integrity of the sample is maintained, reducing the likelihood of delayed analyte degradation and ensuring reliable lab results.

In practice, while some guidelines may allow for longer times in specific circumstances, two hours is a widely accepted standard that balances the need for prompt processing with practical laboratory workflows.