Which process is not recommended for instruments suspected of Prion exposure?

Study for the Sterile Processing Technician Exam. Review flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Prepare for your certification exam!

Instruments that are suspected of Prion exposure require specific and rigorous sterilization methods due to the resilience of prions. Prions are infectious proteins that resist conventional sterilization techniques, making them extremely challenging to eliminate from surgical instruments.

The choice of IUSS (Immediate Use Steam Sterilization) is not recommended for instruments suspected of prion exposure because this method often does not provide the necessary time and temperature conditions to effectively inactivate prions. IUSS is typically used for items that are needed quickly and involves shorter cycles, which might not reach the required sterilization parameters for prion contamination.

In contrast, the other provided options involve specific parameters known to be more effective against prions. For example, the first two options involve high temperatures and longer exposure times that are more likely to achieve effective sterilization of prion-contaminated instruments. High-pressure steam at elevated temperatures is known to be more lethal to prions when applied correctly.

Thus, IUSS is less reliable for ensuring that prions are eliminated, making it unsuitable for processing instruments contaminated with these agents.

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