Proper sample storage depends heavily on the sample type and the desired storage duration. Short-term storage might differ significantly from long-term preservation.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage
For short-term storage, samples like tissue, organs, blood, hair, or nails may be kept at ambient temperature or refrigerated. However, for long-term storage, freezing is crucial for preserving these same samples.
Short-Term Storage Options:
- Ambient Temperature: Suitable for some stable samples, but limited by potential degradation. Requires careful monitoring of temperature and conditions.
- Refrigeration (4°C): Extends the shelf life of many samples compared to ambient storage, slowing down degradation processes.
Long-Term Storage Options:
- Freezing (-20°C or lower): The standard method for long-term preservation of samples like tissue, organs, blood, hair, and nails. Freezing significantly slows down or halts degradation processes. Specific freezing protocols often depend on the sample type to minimize ice crystal formation that could damage the sample.
Factors Affecting Sample Storage
- Sample Type: Different samples have different storage requirements based on their composition and stability.
- Storage Duration: Short-term storage demands less stringent protocols than long-term preservation which requires more robust methods to prevent degradation.
- Storage Conditions: Maintaining consistent temperature and humidity is critical for optimal sample preservation.
