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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Cold agglutinins are antibodies that react at low temperatures and can cause red blood cells to clump. If a specimen cools before or during transport, false agglutination may occur, interfering with laboratory results. To avoid this, ASCP guidelines instruct that specimens for cold agglutinin testing must be kept at body temperature (approximately 37 °C) from collection until serum separation. This can involve pre-warmed tubes, transport in a warming container, and prompt laboratory processing. In contrast, many analytes require refrigeration, while others like ammonia and lactate require chilling on ice. Understanding temperature-specific requirements is critical for maintaining analyte stability and preventing false results. The phlebotomist’s role includes proper labeling, transport, and communication with laboratory staff to ensure handling instructions are followed. By recognizing test-specific requirements like warm handling for cold agglutinins, phlebotomists preserve diagnostic reliability and prevent costly recollections.