It is recommended that the serum be removed and the sample refrigerated. If the serum is to be held, it should be frozen. Do not freeze whole blood or samples with the clot remaining.
Many serological procedures require using live tissue cultures.
Hemolyzed, contaminated, or toxic samples cannot be used. Serum samples in the conventional Bangs tubes are toxic, samples received in Bangs tubes will not be processed. Identify each sample individually. Accompany the sera with a serology form listing the identification numbers or names. Identification should also be on the vial and NOT on the stopper.