What method kills all microorganisms, except prions and spores?

High-level disinfection is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to eliminate all microorganisms except for high resilience forms such as prions and bacterial spores. This technique is often used in healthcare settings, especially for instruments that come into contact with mucous membranes but do not penetrate tissues, such as endoscopes.

Understanding the context of high-level disinfection is important. This method typically involves the use of chemical agents or processes that can inactivate a wide array of pathogens, making it crucial for maintaining a safe clinical environment. For example, bleach solutions, glutaraldehyde, or ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) are commonly used as high-level disinfectants.

In contrast, standard disinfection may not be as thorough, often targeting only a broad range of more susceptible microbes, and low-level disinfection is generally used for cleaning surfaces, which is effective for many bacteria and some viruses but does not guarantee the elimination of more resistant organisms. Sterilization, on the other hand, refers to methods that kill all forms of microbial life, including spores and prions, thus going beyond the scope of high-level disinfection.