A reagent may undergo deterioration during shipping. Although complete inactivation of a reagent may be readily apparent, partial inactivation can be hard to recognize.
When to suspect:
(1) erratic test results
(2) exclusion of other problems in the testing process
(3) correction by use of new reagent properly shipped
Once suspected a review may reveal that the reagent:
(1) was shipped during very hot or very cold weather.
(2) was received without coolant or at room temperature if shipped frozen or chilled
(3) was delivered after a delay (including delivery over a long weekend)
(4) had a damaged shipping container
(5) showed visible signs of deterioration in the reagent (discoloration, precipitate, etc)
(6) delay in placing the reagent into appropriate storage after received
A protocol for receiving shipments may be the only way to proactively correct the problem.
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