Table 1. Recommended temperatures for the long-term storage of clinical samples.

Sample	Ideal temperature (°C)	Acceptable temperature (°C)
Whole blood-guanidine or FTA cards	4	Room temperature
Whole blood-EDTA/heparin	−80	−20
Serum	−80	−20
Plasma	−80	−20
Saliva	−80	−20
Urine	−80	−20