Infection control: 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.

Try it

Microbiology · Infection control

Sample item

Why are surgical instruments cleaned before sterilization?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Organic debris can shield microbes from sterilant

Cleaning removes blood, tissue, and organic material that can protect microorganisms and interfere with later disinfection or sterilization.

Option by option

  • A. Cleaning alone kills all spores

    Cleaning alone may not sterilize.

  • B. Organic debris can shield microbes from sterilant (correct)

    Correct: debris reduces sterilization effectiveness.

  • C. It removes need for packaging

    Packaging remains needed to maintain sterility.

  • D. Sterilization works only on dirty items

    Sterilization works best after cleaning.

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 B, Organic debris can shield microbes from sterilant. Cleaning removes blood, tissue, and organic material that can protect microorganisms and interfere with later disinfection or sterilization.

Why is "Cleaning alone kills all spores" not the answer?

Cleaning alone may not sterilize.

Why is "It removes need for packaging" not the answer?

Packaging remains needed to maintain sterility.

Why is "Sterilization works only on dirty items" not the answer?

Sterilization works best after cleaning.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infection control in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: debris reduces sterilization effectiveness.

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 Infection control?

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.