Final answer:
Solid media such as agar slants are best for shipping bacterial samples as they preserve viability over time and allow for easy observation and identification of colonies. The correct option is 3) Solid media
Step-by-step explanation:
When shipping a sample of bacteria to a laboratory from a satellite office site, solid media would generally be the best choice. Solid media, such as agar slants, support bacterial growth and allow distinct colonies to form.
Additionally, bacteria grown in agar slants remain viable longer than those grown on agar plates because the latter are prone to dehydration due to loose-fitting Petri dish lids. Tryptic Soy Agar slants in culture tubes are often used for this purpose.
Culturing bacteria on solid media also facilitates the observation and identification of colonial characteristics, which can be impaired if the bacteria dehydrate or if condensation from incubation disrupts the sample.
Moreover, cultures grown on slants can be kept viable for weeks to a few months, especially when refrigerated, making it suitable for transportation. The correct option is 3) Solid media