True or False: If fastidious bacteria are suspected, specimens should always be refrigerated.

The statement is false because the appropriate storage conditions for fastidious bacteria depend significantly on specific laboratory guidelines and the type of specimen collected. Fastidious bacteria are those that have complex nutritional requirements and may not survive well under conditions like refrigeration, which can be detrimental to their viability.

Certain fastidious organisms, such as some strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Streptococcus pneumoniae, require specific temperatures that might be warmer than refrigeration to maintain their viability. For example, some specimens may need to be kept at room temperature or transported quickly to the laboratory to ensure that the bacteria remain alive and can be cultured effectively.

Additionally, different fastidious bacteria may have varying storage requirements; therefore, the handling of specimens for culture should always follow established guidelines or protocols specific to the organism suspected. This custom approach ensures that laboratory results are accurate and reflective of the actual organism present in the specimen.