In scent article collection, what steps preserve odor integrity?

• A. Wipe with cleaning spray and store with food.
• B. Place directly in a trash bag for disposal.
• C. Wear gloves, handle articles with care, place in sterile containers, label clearly, avoid cross-contamination, and transport promptly to the lab.
• D. Delay transport to the lab for several days.

Answer: (C)

Preserving scent integrity means preventing contamination and keeping the original odor signature of the article until lab analysis. Wearing gloves and handling articles with care reduces the chance of transferring human odors, oils, or residues onto the scent material. Placing the items in sterile containers shields them from environmental contaminants and moisture, while clear labeling ensures proper tracking and avoids mix-ups that could skew results. Avoiding cross-contamination is key, so the scent article should be kept separate from other materials and surfaces. Transporting promptly to the lab minimizes loss or alteration of volatile odor compounds, so the sample reaches analysis in the most faithful condition possible.

Wiping with cleaning spray or storing with food would introduce residues that distort the odor. Placing the article directly in a trash bag for disposal would destroy the sample. Delaying transport for several days allows evaporation, degradation, or microbial changes that can change the scent profile.