What must a collector do if they suspect a specimen has been tampered with?

When a collector suspects that a specimen has been tampered with, the appropriate course of action is to document their observations. This step is crucial because it creates a record of the collector's concerns and the circumstances surrounding the collection. Thorough documentation can provide valuable information for any subsequent investigation or analysis regarding the integrity of the specimen.

This process entails noting any specific behaviors, physical signs, or any other indicators that raise suspicion about the validity of the sample. Documentation serves not only to clarify the situation to any officials or parties involved later on but also demonstrates the collector's due diligence in upholding the integrity of the testing process.

The other actions, while they may seem reasonable, do not align with best practices. Ignoring the suspicion does not address the potential issue and can lead to compromised results. Asking the donor for an explanation could inadvertently result in confrontation or further complicate the situation. Notifying law enforcement immediately is typically unnecessary at the initial stage and could escalate the situation without proper evidence or protocol. Thus, documenting the observations is the most responsible and appropriate action in response to suspected tampering.