Analyte loss can occur between sample collection and laboratory analysis because of physical, chemical, and biological processes that result in chemical precipitation, adsorption, oxidation, reduction, ion exchange, degassing, or degradation. Preservation stabilizes analyte concentrations for a limited period of time.
Some samples have a very short holding time.
Verify that time-dependent samples were received in proper condition, at the correct temperature, and that holding times were not exceeded by contacting the laboratory.