At which points during a typical laboratory exercise is the lab bench treated with a disinfectant to control microbial growth?

• A. Only after the lab exercise
• B. Only if a spill occurs during the lab exercise
• C. Only before the lab exercise
• D. Before and after the lab exercise

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of disinfecting the lab bench: it is to reduce microbial contamination and prevent the spread of potentially harmful microorganisms.
2. Recognize that disinfecting before the lab exercise ensures the workspace is clean and free from microbes that could interfere with the experiment or pose a risk.
3. Acknowledge that disinfecting after the lab exercise is important to remove any microbes introduced during the work, maintaining a safe environment for future use.
4. Note that disinfecting only if a spill occurs is insufficient because microbes can be present even without visible spills.
5. Conclude that the lab bench should be treated with disinfectant both before and after the lab exercise to effectively control microbial growth.