A stool sample from a child with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) must reach the national poliovirus laboratory within how many days of collection to be considered adequate?
- A 24 hours
- B 7 days
- C 72 hours ✓
- D 48 hours
Correct answer: C. 72 hours
Explanation
For AFP surveillance, two stool samples should be collected at least 24 hours apart within 14 days of paralysis onset. Each sample must be transported to the Regional Reference Laboratory within 72 hours at 4–8°C (cold chain). Samples arriving beyond 72 hours or at room temperature are considered inadequate.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.