Why should hep c pcr bloods be spun down immediately?

Hepatitis C PCR blood samples should be spun down immediately to separate the plasma from the cellular components, which helps prevent degradation of the viral RNA. Delayed processing can lead to lysis of cells and contamination, potentially resulting in inaccurate test results. Additionally, prompt centrifugation minimizes the risk of viral load reduction over time, ensuring that the sample reflects the true viral load at the time of collection. Timely handling is crucial for reliable diagnosis and treatment decisions.