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Multiple Choice

According to CLSI, the maximum time limit for separating serum or plasma from cells is

The main concept is ensuring serum or plasma is separated from the cellular components quickly to prevent changes in test results caused by ongoing cell metabolism. According to CLSI, you should separate serum or plasma from cells within two hours of collection. If the sample sits longer, cells continue metabolic processes like glycolysis and ion leakage, which can alter analyte levels such as glucose, potassium, and other components, leading to inaccurate results. So the maximum time allowed is two hours.

The main concept is ensuring serum or plasma is separated from the cellular components quickly to prevent changes in test results caused by ongoing cell metabolism. According to CLSI, you should separate serum or plasma from cells within two hours of collection. If the sample sits longer, cells continue metabolic processes like glycolysis and ion leakage, which can alter analyte levels such as glucose, potassium, and other components, leading to inaccurate results. So the maximum time allowed is two hours.