Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring Cellular Zinc Regulation Through ZnT1 Functionality
Published on: June 2, 2023
Sample transportation - an overview
Mads Nybo1, Janne Cadamuro2, Michael P Cornes3
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, Odense 5000, Denmark.
Abstract:
Transportation of blood samples is a major part of the preanalytical pathway and can be crucial in delaying laboratory results to the clinicians. A variety of aspects however makes sample transportation a complex, challenging and often overlooked task that needs thorough planning and dedicated resources. The purpose of this review is to outline the options available for this task and to emphasize the preanalytical aspects that need consideration in this process, e.g. performance specifications for sample transportation as stated in ISO standards 15189 and 20658, quality control of automated transportation systems, monitoring of sample integrity parameters and temperature surveillance in general and for external samplers in particular. All these are tasks that the laboratory must assure on a daily basis in terms of continuous quality control, and simultaneously the laboratory must remain alert to alterations in clinical demands (sample frequency, turn-around-times) and new regulations within this area (e.g. the recent General Data Protection Regulation from the EU).
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Protein Sorting and Transport
Protein sorting can be of two types: signal-based sorting and vesicle-based trafficking. In signal-based sorting, specific amino acid sequences called sorting signals target proteins to the proper location inside the cell either via gated transport or by protein translocation. In gated transport, folded...
Sampling Methods: Overview
In analytical chemistry, the choice of...
Sample Preparation for Analysis: Overview
Bulk or large solid samples are typically reduced in size using grinding, crushing, or milling techniques to increase the...
Facilitated Transport
Primary Active Transport
Secondary Active Transport

