Immunisation: open vial policy: practice question

A Pediatrics 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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Pediatrics · Immunisation: open vial policy

Sample item

After reconstitution, within how many hours must BCG and measles-rubella vaccine be used?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Within 4 hours

Reconstituted BCG, measles and MR vaccines can be used up to 4 hours (or end of session) because they lack preservatives and risk bacterial contamination (toxic shock syndrome). Liquid vaccines such as OPV, DPT, hepatitis B and TT can be used for up to 28 days under the multi-dose vial policy, if cold-chain and VVM conditions are met.

Option by option

  • A. Within 24 hours

    Twenty-four hours is too long for a preservative-free vaccine.

  • B. Within 7 days

    Seven days is not allowed for reconstituted vaccines.

  • C. Within 4 hours (correct)

    Correct. Reconstituted vaccines should be used within 4 hours.

  • D. Within 28 days

    Twenty-eight days applies to liquid multi-dose vaccines.

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.

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Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Within 4 hours. Reconstituted BCG, measles and MR vaccines can be used up to 4 hours (or end of session) because they lack preservatives and risk bacterial contamination (toxic shock syndrome).

Why is "Within 24 hours" not the answer?

Twenty-four hours is too long for a preservative-free vaccine.

Why is "Within 7 days" not the answer?

Seven days is not allowed for reconstituted vaccines.

Why is "Within 28 days" not the answer?

Twenty-eight days applies to liquid multi-dose vaccines.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Immunisation: open vial policy in Pediatrics. Liquid vaccines such as OPV, DPT, hepatitis B and TT can be used for up to 28 days under the multi-dose vial policy, if cold-chain and VVM conditions are met.

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 Immunisation: open vial policy?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics 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.