Evaluating preanalytical sample storage parameters for nucleic acid-based detection of .

Objectives: To ensure accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases, preanalytical factors should be considered when assessing specimen quality and subsequent test result. Accordingly, we aimed to systematically assess the effect of storage time, temperature and buffer on the analytical sensitivity of detecting the sexually transmitted pathogen, across multiple molecular diagnostic platforms.

Methods: Cultured was spiked into generic and commercial storage buffers and stored at four temperatures and five time points, ranging from -20°C to 37°C, over 30 days.