Sample storage requirements?
a. Drugs and metabolites are stable in meconium for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. However, refrigerated or freezer storage is preferred. b. Alcohol metabolites, specifically FAEE, are sensitive to heat and light and therefore the PREFERRED shipping method is frozen on dry ice. Since this method is both difficult and expensive, most institutions send at room temperature and realize that the FAEE concentrations may be reduced. USDTL accepts specimens that are shipped at room temperature.
