Which of the following statements about MS222 is correct?

The correct statement regarding MS222 (tricaine methanesulfonate) is that it needs to be buffered with sodium bicarbonate. MS222 is typically used in aquatic veterinary medicine as an anesthetic for fish and other aquatic animals. When it is mixed with water, it has a low pH, which can be potentially harmful to the fish. Buffering with sodium bicarbonate raises the pH to a more neutral level, enhancing the safety and efficacy of the anesthetic while minimizing stress on the fish.

The other statements about MS222 contain inaccuracies. For instance, it is important to note that while MS222 is not approved for many food fish in certain regions, it contains nuances based on jurisdiction that do not exclusively endorse this statement. Additionally, MS222 is typically used in a powdered form and easily dissolves in water rather than requiring solid administration. Lastly, the withdrawal time is more variable and can be comparable to other anesthetics depending on the use and environmental conditions, rather than being universally longer.