What is the temperature of a refrigerator?

• A. 4 C
• B. 37 C
• C. -20 C
• D. 60 C

Answer: (A)

Maintaining storage conditions that slow microbial growth and preserve sample integrity without freezing is essential. A refrigerator is kept around 4 C, typically within a 2–8 C range, because this cool temperature slows enzymatic activity and microbial growth enough to preserve reagents and specimens without forming ice.

Temperature at 37 C is body temperature and would promote rapid spoilage and degradation. -20 C is freezing and used for long-term storage of materials that can tolerate freezing, not for everyday refrigeration. 60 C is far above normal storage ranges and would damage most biological materials. Therefore, the standard refrigerator temperature is about 4 C.