Immediately after taking bacteria samples, at what temperature should the samples be kept until delivery?

The appropriate temperature range for keeping bacteria samples immediately after collection is between 32 to 40°F. This range is crucial for preserving the viability of the bacteria until they reach the laboratory for analysis.

Maintaining samples within this temperature range helps to prevent the growth of unwanted microorganisms and reduces the risk of altering the bacterial populations present in the samples. It is important to keep samples cool, as higher temperatures can lead to the proliferation of other bacteria or deterioration of the original samples, potentially skewing test results.

The specified temperature range aligns with standard practices in microbiological sampling and storage, ensuring that the integrity of the samples is maintained throughout the transportation process. Keeping the samples too cold, such as in lower ranges like 25 to 30°F, may risk freezing certain components, while higher temperatures could facilitate growth of bacteria that may not be intended for the analysis. Therefore, 32 to 40°F is the optimal choice for maintaining bacterial samples.