CAMLPR Specimen Collection Competency Practice Test

RNA is highly unstable and easily degraded by ubiquitous RNases, so when transport is delayed the priority is to protect RNA integrity. Documenting the delay creates a record of the time before stabilization and helps everyone understand the specimen’s handling context and any potential impact on results. Rapid stabilization slows or halts RNase activity and preserves RNA until analysis, and using RNase-free containers prevents introducing RNases from the environment or equipment. This combination—timely stabilization, RNase-free containers, and proper documentation—maintains RNA quality for accurate downstream testing. Ignoring the delay, using non-RNase-free materials, or keeping the sample at room temperature indefinitely all increase the risk of RNA degradation and unreliable results.