Laboratory diagnosis: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Microbiology · Laboratory diagnosis

Sample item

What does PCR detect in an infectious-disease sample?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Specific nucleic acid sequences

Polymerase chain reaction amplifies defined DNA or RNA targets, allowing sensitive detection of pathogen-specific nucleic acid sequences in clinical specimens.

Option by option

  • A. Specific nucleic acid sequences (correct)

    Correct: PCR identifies target nucleic acid sequences.

  • B. Blood pressure

    Blood pressure is a clinical vital sign, not a PCR result.

  • C. Only antibody titers

    Antibody titers are measured by serologic assays.

  • D. Only bacterial culture growth

    Culture detects organism growth rather than amplified genes.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is A, Specific nucleic acid sequences. Polymerase chain reaction amplifies defined DNA or RNA targets, allowing sensitive detection of pathogen-specific nucleic acid sequences in clinical specimens.

Why is "Blood pressure" not the answer?

Blood pressure is a clinical vital sign, not a PCR result.

Why is "Only antibody titers" not the answer?

Antibody titers are measured by serologic assays.

Why is "Only bacterial culture growth" not the answer?

Culture detects organism growth rather than amplified genes.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Laboratory diagnosis in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: PCR identifies target nucleic acid sequences.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Laboratory diagnosis?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.