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Lactate is metabolically labile and can increase in vitro if glycolysis continues after collection. To preserve accuracy, lactic acid specimens should be placed on ice or in a chilled transport within minutes and delivered rapidly for processing. Cooling slows cellular metabolism and stabilizes analyte concentration. Option B captures the essential steps—immediate chilling and expedited transport. Option A is inappropriate; light protection is critical for analytes such as bilirubin, not lactate. Option C (warming) accelerates metabolism and would artifactually raise lactate levels. Option D is relevant for tests like cold agglutinins (kept warm), not lactate. Proper handling also includes using the correct collection tube per laboratory policy (often heparinized plasma), avoiding fist pumping during draw (which can elevate lactate), and ensuring timely separation of plasma. Documentation of collection time and prompt delivery to the lab supports result reliability. These preanalytical controls are frequently tested because improper temperature management is a common cause of erroneous critical values in emergency and intensive-care settings.