Temperature
Centre A The average temperature for the period in which
the samples were collected during the winter was –4.38C at
night and 1.58C during the day. In August, average temperatures
were above 308C during the investigation. The GPs
that participated had no air-conditioning.
Centre B Samples were stored either at room temperature
or at 21"18C in the special thermostated boxes for 4 or 8 h.
The average temperature for the period in which the samples
were sent by mail during the winter was q18C at night
and 5.08C during the day.
In the summer period, the average night temperature was
138C and 208C during the day.
The sampling time, the arrival of the sample at the hospital
and the analysing time were recorded in the laboratory
information system.