Question Detail

MIC 121 Laboratory safety and ethics in microbiology Objective Question
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Question

A laboratory technician uses 70% ethanol to disinfect a workbench. Which statement accurately describes the effectiveness and properties of 70% ethanol as a disinfectant?
Options
A It is effective against bacterial endospores.
B It is highly effective against all types of viruses, including non-enveloped.
C It is rapid-acting and effective against vegetative bacteria, fungi, and most enveloped viruses, but not sporicidal.
Correct Answer
D It is recommended for cleaning surfaces visibly contaminated with organic matter before other disinfectants.
Correct Answer

Option C is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

70% ethanol is rapid, effective against vegetative bacteria, fungi, and most enveloped viruses, but it is explicitly stated as NOT sporicidal. It is also highly flammable. Organic matter inactivates some disinfectants (like bleach), suggesting pre-cleaning is needed for them, but this statement is not specific to ethanol's unique effectiveness.

Hint

Focus on what 70% ethanol does and does not kill.

Question Info

Course: MIC 121
Topic: Laboratory safety and ethics in microbiology
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 600 of 984
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