Enzymatic detergent

Sterile processing definition

An enzymatic detergent contains enzymes that break down specific types of organic soil, such as proteases for blood and protein, lipases for fats and amylases for starches. They help remove soil from instruments during point-of-use treatment and manual or mechanical cleaning. They must be diluted and used at the temperature and contact time the manufacturer specifies.

On the CRCST exam

Know which enzyme breaks down which soil, and that enzymes clean but do not disinfect.

Exam domain: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection (about 21% of the exam)

Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection practice questions

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