When should samples be mailed to the FSIS laboratory?

• A. Not close to a weekend
• B. Ship samples when collected
• C. Wait for establishment pre-shipment review
• D. Ship only after product testing is completed

Answer: (B)

Shipping samples as soon as they’re collected is the essential practice. Sending them to the FSIS laboratory immediately preserves the sample’s integrity and maintains a clear chain of custody, so the lab can begin accurate analyses without delays or changes that time and handling might cause. Delaying shipment—even to wait for things like pre-shipment review or after product testing—is unnecessary and can compromise results, complicate traceability, and slow down the overall process. In contrast, immediate mailing keeps the testing timeline aligned with when the sample was taken and supports reliable, timely results.