Which of the following items is most important to sanitize in a microbiology laboratory to prevent contamination?

• A. Personal notebooks
• B. Work surfaces and benches
• C. Ceiling lights
• D. Windows

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of sanitization in a microbiology laboratory: sanitization aims to reduce the number of microorganisms on surfaces to prevent contamination of experiments and cultures.
2. Identify which items are most likely to come into direct contact with samples, reagents, or laboratory tools. These are the surfaces where contamination risk is highest.
3. Evaluate each option: personal notebooks, ceiling lights, windows, and work surfaces/benches. Consider how frequently each is touched or exposed to microbial samples.
4. Recognize that work surfaces and benches are the primary areas where samples are handled and experiments are conducted, making them critical points for sanitization.
5. Conclude that sanitizing work surfaces and benches is most important to maintain a sterile environment and prevent contamination in the microbiology lab.