True or False: Urine samples should be transported immediately after collection to avoid degradation.

The statement regarding urine samples needing to be transported immediately after collection to avoid degradation is indeed true. Urine is a biological fluid that can undergo changes in composition once it is exposed to the environment. Factors such as temperature, exposure to light, and time can affect the stability of certain components, including pH, specific gravity, and the presence of cells or bacteria.

Transporting urine samples quickly helps ensure that the results of laboratory analyses reflect the sample's original state, minimizing the potential for alterations that could lead to misinterpretation of results. Delayed transport can allow for bacterial growth, changes in chemical constituents, and other degradation processes that compromise the sample's integrity, making it less reliable for diagnostic purposes.

While some tests may have specific guidelines for storage or transport conditions, the general principle holds true that immediate transportation is essential to preserve urine sample quality across a wide range of analyses.