Which tests require protection from light during transport and handling?

Which tests require protection from light during transport and handling?

• A. Bilirubin and some carotenoids; protect bilirubin from light by using amber containers or wrapping tubes
• B. Hemoglobin and albumin require dark storage
• C. Glucose requires protection from light
• D. Iron tests require amber containers

Answer: (A)

Protection from light is needed for tests involving photolabile substances. Bilirubin is highly sensitive to light; exposure during transport or handling can cause it to degrade, yielding falsely low results. To prevent this, specimens for bilirubin (and sometimes related carotenoids) are placed in amber containers or wrapped to keep light away. Other common tests, like glucose, hemoglobin, albumin, and iron, do not require light shielding for routine handling, so they aren’t typically stored or transported in dark or amber conditions. The emphasis on protecting bilirubin from light (and noting carotenoids’ sensitivity) is why this option is the best fit.

Protection from light is needed for tests involving photolabile substances. Bilirubin is highly sensitive to light; exposure during transport or handling can cause it to degrade, yielding falsely low results. To prevent this, specimens for bilirubin (and sometimes related carotenoids) are placed in amber containers or wrapped to keep light away. Other common tests, like glucose, hemoglobin, albumin, and iron, do not require light shielding for routine handling, so they aren’t typically stored or transported in dark or amber conditions. The emphasis on protecting bilirubin from light (and noting carotenoids’ sensitivity) is why this option is the best fit.