Results: The pre-set quality goals were fulfilled for all
the investigated components for samples transported
to hospital by courier either as whole blood or as ‘‘on
gel’’ after centrifugation, as long as the samples were
stored at 20–258C and centrifuged/analysed within
5–6 h. A total of 4% of the samples sent by mail had
mismatched identity, probably due to plasma being
transferred to a new tube.