Free American Society for Microbiology ABMM Exam Questions

Become American Society for Microbiology Certified with updated ABMM exam questions and correct answers

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Total 205 Questions | Updated On: Dec 16, 2025

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Question 1

A microbiology laboratory is investigating an outbreak of bloodstream infections in a neonatal intensive care unit. Isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis from multiple infants show indistinguishable banding patterns by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). This finding MOST strongly suggests:

A : Widespread antibiotic resistance within the S. epidermidis population.

B : A common source of infection and clonal spread of the organism.

C : Recent horizontal gene transfer of virulence factors.

D : Spontaneous mutations leading to increased pathogenicity.

Answer: B

Question 2

Which biosafety level (BSL) is required for clinical laboratory work involving the propagation (culture) of Coccidioides immitis/posadasii?

A : BSL-1

B : BSL-2

C : BSL-3

D : BSL-4

Answer: C

Question 3

A clinical microbiology laboratory is implementing a new multiplex nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for the detection of respiratory viral pathogens. To ensure the quantitative accuracy of the assay, it is essential to include:

A : Only positive and negative controls.

B : External quality assessment samples.

C : Calibration standards with known concentrations of target nucleic acids.

D : Internal controls to monitor for PCR inhibition.

Answer: C

Question 4

The human virome, the collection of viruses that reside in and on the human body, is increasinglyrecognized for its role in health and disease. Which of the following statements regarding the human virome is MOST accurate?

A : The human virome is primarily composed of pathogenic viruses that cause acute infections.

B : The composition of the human virome is relatively stable over time and is not influenced by environmental factors.

C : Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, are a significant component of the human gut virome.

D : The human virome is largely independent of the host's immune status.

Answer: C

Question 5

A clinical laboratory manager is implementing a new automated blood culture system. Which aspect is LEAST likely to be part of the initial verification/validation process before clinical use?

A : Comparison of time-to-detection with the previous system

B : Verification of detection of a panel of common bloodstream pathogens

C : Assessment of the system's contamination rate over one year of routine use

D : Establishing workflow and training competency for laboratory staff

Answer: C

Page: 1 / 41

Total 205 Questions | Updated On: Dec 16, 2025

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