In acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance for polio eradication, which of the following sets of conditions defines adequate stool specimen collection for virological investigation?
- A One specimen collected within 48 hours of onset of paralysis
- B Two specimens collected at least 24 hours apart, within 14 days of onset of paralysis, sent to an accredited laboratory in good condition ✓
- C Two specimens collected on the same day, within 14 days of onset
- D Two specimens collected any time within 28 days of onset, at least 48 hours apart
Correct answer: B. Two specimens collected at least 24 hours apart, within 14 days of onset of paralysis, sent to an accredited laboratory in good condition
Explanation
Every AFP case requires two adequate stool specimens: collected at least 24 hours apart, within 14 days of onset of paralysis, each of adequate quantity (roughly 8 grams, thumb-sized) and reaching a WHO-accredited laboratory in good condition. Same-day paired samples, a single specimen, or collection beyond 14 days all fail adequacy criteria. Adequate specimen rates are audited nationally because they underpin confidence that wild poliovirus is truly absent.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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