Which of the following is an example of microbial control?

• A. Leaving wounds uncovered
• B. Washing hands with plain water only
• C. Storing food at room temperature
• D. Sterilizing surgical instruments with an autoclave

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of microbial control, which refers to methods used to reduce or eliminate microorganisms to prevent infection or contamination.
2. Review each option to determine if it involves actively reducing or eliminating microbes: leaving wounds uncovered does not control microbes; washing hands with plain water only may remove some microbes but is not very effective; storing food at room temperature can promote microbial growth rather than control it.
3. Recognize that sterilizing surgical instruments with an autoclave is a process that uses high pressure and temperature to kill all forms of microbial life, including spores, which is a definitive example of microbial control.
4. Recall that microbial control methods include sterilization, disinfection, antisepsis, and sanitization, and autoclaving falls under sterilization, the most effective method.
5. Conclude that among the options, sterilizing surgical instruments with an autoclave is the correct example of microbial control because it actively and effectively eliminates microbes.