Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology
4th Edition Test Bank
Sample Test
Mahon: Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology, 4th Edition
Chapter 04: Control of Microorganisms
Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The chemical or physical method that destroys all forms of life is called:
a. Sterilization
, b. Disinfection
c. Bacteriostatic
d. Bactericidal
ANS: A
Sterilization is the destruction of all forms of life, including bacterial spores.
Disinfection is a process that eliminates a defined scope of microorganisms, including,
in some cases, spores. Bacteriostatic inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
Bactericidal kills bacteria.
REF: page 62 OBJ: Level 1 – Recall
2. Organisms that are the most resistant to heat, chemicals, and radiation are:
a. Parasites
b. Prions
c. Bacteria
d. Viruses
ANS: B
Prions are naked pieces of protein, so they are harder to kill than any other
organism. Viruses usually contain a nucleic acid, and all the mentioned forms of
killing can effectively disrupt their
, nucleic acid. Bacteria and parasites are complete organisms that are killed by
disinfection and sterilization, even in the spore and cyst stages.
REF: page 63 OBJ: Level 1 – Recall
3. After using the phone, the laboratory tech sprayed the receiver with a chemical
spray. This process will kill a defined scope of microorganisms. What is this process
called?
a. Sterilization
b. Bacteriostatic
c. Disinfection
d. Bactericidal
ANS: C
Sterilization kills all organisms and spores at a site. Bacteriostatic and bactericidal are
adjectives that describe the particular action of chemical agents: to inhibit bacterial
growth or kill bacteria.
Disinfection kills a defined scope of microorganisms.
REF: page 62 OBJ: Level 2 – Interpretation
4. Before performing a phlebotomy, the phlebotomist will clean the area on a patient’s
arm with a substance before inserting the needle. This substance is called a(n):
a. Disinfectant
b. Sterilizer
, c. Antiseptic
d. Bactericidal
ANS: C
A disinfectant is a chemical agent used to kill microorganisms on an inanimate object.
To sterilize is to kill all life; skin will still have organisms growing after wiping.
Bactericidal is the process of killing bacteria. An antiseptic is a substance applied to the
skin for the purpose of eliminating or reducing the number of bacteria present.
REF: page 62 OBJ: Level 2 – Interpretation
5. All the following factors play a significant role in the selection and
implementation of the appropriate method of disinfection EXCEPT:
a. Temperature
b. Contact time
c. Biofilms
d. Humidity
ANS: D
Temperature, contact time, and biofilms all play a role in selection and
implementation of the appropriate method of disinfection. Humidity is not
important when attempting to disinfect or kill organisms.
4th Edition Test Bank
Sample Test
Mahon: Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology, 4th Edition
Chapter 04: Control of Microorganisms
Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The chemical or physical method that destroys all forms of life is called:
a. Sterilization
, b. Disinfection
c. Bacteriostatic
d. Bactericidal
ANS: A
Sterilization is the destruction of all forms of life, including bacterial spores.
Disinfection is a process that eliminates a defined scope of microorganisms, including,
in some cases, spores. Bacteriostatic inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
Bactericidal kills bacteria.
REF: page 62 OBJ: Level 1 – Recall
2. Organisms that are the most resistant to heat, chemicals, and radiation are:
a. Parasites
b. Prions
c. Bacteria
d. Viruses
ANS: B
Prions are naked pieces of protein, so they are harder to kill than any other
organism. Viruses usually contain a nucleic acid, and all the mentioned forms of
killing can effectively disrupt their
, nucleic acid. Bacteria and parasites are complete organisms that are killed by
disinfection and sterilization, even in the spore and cyst stages.
REF: page 63 OBJ: Level 1 – Recall
3. After using the phone, the laboratory tech sprayed the receiver with a chemical
spray. This process will kill a defined scope of microorganisms. What is this process
called?
a. Sterilization
b. Bacteriostatic
c. Disinfection
d. Bactericidal
ANS: C
Sterilization kills all organisms and spores at a site. Bacteriostatic and bactericidal are
adjectives that describe the particular action of chemical agents: to inhibit bacterial
growth or kill bacteria.
Disinfection kills a defined scope of microorganisms.
REF: page 62 OBJ: Level 2 – Interpretation
4. Before performing a phlebotomy, the phlebotomist will clean the area on a patient’s
arm with a substance before inserting the needle. This substance is called a(n):
a. Disinfectant
b. Sterilizer
, c. Antiseptic
d. Bactericidal
ANS: C
A disinfectant is a chemical agent used to kill microorganisms on an inanimate object.
To sterilize is to kill all life; skin will still have organisms growing after wiping.
Bactericidal is the process of killing bacteria. An antiseptic is a substance applied to the
skin for the purpose of eliminating or reducing the number of bacteria present.
REF: page 62 OBJ: Level 2 – Interpretation
5. All the following factors play a significant role in the selection and
implementation of the appropriate method of disinfection EXCEPT:
a. Temperature
b. Contact time
c. Biofilms
d. Humidity
ANS: D
Temperature, contact time, and biofilms all play a role in selection and
implementation of the appropriate method of disinfection. Humidity is not
important when attempting to disinfect or kill organisms.
