Which type of set is at risk to acquire prions?

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!

The set that is at risk of acquiring prions is related to neurosurgical or eye procedures. Prions are infectious agents composed of protein that can lead to severe neurodegenerative diseases. They are highly resistant to standard sterilization methods, which presents a concern for surgical sets used in procedures involving neurological components or tissues.

The cataract set is particularly relevant because it often involves manipulating and potentially coming into close contact with the central nervous system or csf (cerebrospinal fluid), where prions may be present when dealing with conditions such as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). This type of surgery might inadvertently introduce or transmit prion-contaminated tissues if proper precautions are not followed.

Other surgical sets mentioned, such as those for total hip replacements, dilation and curettage, and cesarean sections, do not typically involve the risk of exposure to prions in the same way that ocular and neurosurgical procedures do. As a result, they are not considered to carry the same level of risk for prion transmission.

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