Clinical microbiology and hospital infection control: environmental sampling: 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 · Clinical microbiology and hospital infection control: environmental sampling

Sample item

A hospital's infection control committee reviews its policy on culturing surfaces, air and water. When is environmental sampling justified?

AAs routine weekly sampling of walls in all wardsBBefore opening any new ward, regardless of riskCTo certify the performance of individual cleaning staffDDuring an outbreak with epidemiological evidence of a common source

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. During an outbreak with epidemiological evidence of a common source

Routine environmental culture is not recommended because results are hard to interpret and not linked to outcomes. Targeted sampling is justified in outbreak investigation when epidemiology points to an environmental source, and for specific purposes such as water or dialysis fluid monitoring.

Option by option

A. As routine weekly sampling of walls in all wards
Routine wall culture has no established link with infection risk.
B. Before opening any new ward, regardless of risk
Blanket pre-opening cultures are not evidence-based.
C. To certify the performance of individual cleaning staff
Culture is not a valid performance measure for individual staff.
D. During an outbreak with epidemiological evidence of a common source (correct)
Correct. Targeted sampling supports an outbreak investigation guided by epidemiology.

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.

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is D, During an outbreak with epidemiological evidence of a common source. Routine environmental culture is not recommended because results are hard to interpret and not linked to outcomes.

Why is "As routine weekly sampling of walls in all wards" not the answer?

Routine wall culture has no established link with infection risk.

Why is "Before opening any new ward, regardless of risk" not the answer?

Blanket pre-opening cultures are not evidence-based.

Why is "To certify the performance of individual cleaning staff" not the answer?

Culture is not a valid performance measure for individual staff.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Clinical microbiology and hospital infection control: environmental sampling in Microbiology. Targeted sampling is justified in outbreak investigation when epidemiology points to an environmental source, and for specific purposes such as water or dialysis fluid monitoring.

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 Clinical microbiology and hospital infection control: environmental sampling?

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.