Sterilization: practice question

A Microbiology 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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Microbiology · Sterilization

Sample item

What method sterilizes instruments using pressurized steam?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Autoclaving

Autoclaving uses pressurized saturated steam at validated time and temperature conditions to sterilize heat-stable instruments and materials.

Option by option

  • A. Pasteurization

    Pasteurization reduces pathogens but does not reliably sterilize.

  • B. Ultraviolet exposure only

    Ultraviolet alone has limited penetration and is not instrument sterilization.

  • C. Filtration

    Filtration removes organisms from some fluids but not instruments.

  • D. Autoclaving (correct)

    Correct: autoclaving uses pressurized steam for sterilization.

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.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is D, Autoclaving. Autoclaving uses pressurized saturated steam at validated time and temperature conditions to sterilize heat-stable instruments and materials.

Why is "Pasteurization" not the answer?

Pasteurization reduces pathogens but does not reliably sterilize.

Why is "Ultraviolet exposure only" not the answer?

Ultraviolet alone has limited penetration and is not instrument sterilization.

Why is "Filtration" not the answer?

Filtration removes organisms from some fluids but not instruments.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Sterilization in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: autoclaving uses pressurized steam for sterilization.

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 Sterilization?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology 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.