Final answer:
The correct temperature to dry membrane filters before use in a bottle method is neither too high nor too low to maintain their integrity; therefore, 97°F (36°C) is the most appropriate choice given the options.
Step-by-step explanation:
Membrane Filter Drying Temperature
Before being used in a bottle method, test membrane filters are often dried to ensure that they are free from any moisture that could affect their performance. The correct drying temperature is essential for preparing the filters without damaging them. For the drying of membrane filters, typically a standard protocol is followed which requires the filters to be dried at a temperature that would remove all moisture but not affect the integrity of the filter membrane. Most protocols recommend drying at 30°C to 80°C, which corresponds to 86°F to 176°F, none of which match the options given in the question. As such, based on the options provided, the closest practical and safe temperature to dry the filters without damage would likely be 97 °F, which is equivalent to a moderate 36°C.
Using too high of a temperature, such as 97°C or 194°F/C, may damage the filter membrane and compromise its efficacy in removing microbes from the samples. Therefore, it is important that the correct temperature is observed when preparing filters for use in laboratory settings, to ensure the integrity and sterility of the filtration process.