What action should you take if a urine sample has been exposed to improper temperature during transport?

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Preserving specimen integrity through proper temperature control is essential for urine samples because temperature excursions can alter the stability of substances being tested, leading to inaccurate results. When a sample has been exposed to improper temperature, you should consult the stability data for the specific analyte to determine the correct handling. Typically, that means refrigerating or freezing the sample as required, expediting transport to the laboratory, and rejecting the specimen if it is beyond its stability window or if its integrity cannot be assured. Document the incident and notify the supervisor as part of the quality process. This approach protects the accuracy of test results and patient safety.