EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURES AND TIME ON THE STABILITY OF KETAMINE IN URINE SAMPLES

Abstract During the pre-analytical stage, sample handling is a crucial factor to take into account. Significant delays are frequent in a forensic setting, in contrast to a clinical one where the interval between sample collection and testing is frequently relatively brief. The time between the victim's death and / or discovery, the autopsy and collection of specimens, sample storage, transport to the lab, and further storage before analytical testing may all fall within the pre-analytical phase, which can be rather lengthy. Specimens must be kept at the proper temperature; the majority of samples should be stored either frozen (-20 ° C or below) during short-term storage (less than 2 weeks) or at a refrigerated temperature (4 ° C). Hair, nails, or dried blood swatches on filter paper are exceptions to this rule and can be kept at room temperature.