A district surveillance officer investigates a 4-year-old with acute flaccid paralysis of 7 days onset. To classify the case adequately by the polio reference laboratory, stool specimens must be:
- A Two stool specimens collected 24 to 48 hours apart, within 14 days of onset of paralysis ✓
- B One rectal swab collected at the time of notification
- C Three stool specimens on consecutive days, within 28 days of onset
- D Two stool specimens collected immediately, regardless of interval between them
Correct answer: A. Two stool specimens collected 24 to 48 hours apart, within 14 days of onset of paralysis
Explanation
Adequate stool sampling for AFP surveillance means two good-quality specimens collected at least 24 hours apart, ideally within 48 hours of each other, and both within 14 days of the onset of paralysis, sent cold to the laboratory. Samples taken outside this window are labelled inadequate, and the case then requires a 60-day follow-up examination for residual weakness to complete classification.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.