What is the main goal of sample storage procedures?

The main goal of sample storage procedures is to maintain the integrity of the sample until it can be analyzed. This is crucial across various fields, particularly in environmental testing and water quality analysis, where the reliability of results is highly dependent on the condition of the samples. Proper storage conditions such as temperature, light exposure, and contamination prevention help ensure that the physical and chemical properties of the sample remain unchanged over time. This is necessary to obtain accurate and trustworthy analytical results. While expediting analyses, reducing costs, and addressing lost samples may have their significance, they do not prioritize the fundamental requirement of safeguarding the sample's integrity, which is essential for valid outcomes.