Under the national AFP surveillance standards, a stool sample from a case of acute flaccid paralysis is considered 'adequate' only if certain conditions are met. What is the minimum interval required between the collection of the two stool samples?
- A At least 24 hours apart ✓
- B At least 12 hours apart
- C At least 48 hours apart
- D At least 7 days apart
Correct answer: A. At least 24 hours apart
Explanation
Two adequate stool samples must be collected at least 24 hours apart, both within 14 days of the onset of paralysis, and must reach the accredited laboratory within 72 hours of the second collection under reverse cold chain. Samples taken sooner than 24 hours apart may miss intermittent viral excretion, and collection beyond 14 days lowers sensitivity because faecal shedding declines. These parameters feed into the adequacy indicators reported nationally.
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.