Picture brilliant red and yellow colors at Prismatic Hot Springs in Yellowstone Park in naturally heated water around 160 degrees F and beautiful green algae living in icy mountain streams. Both are produced by enzymes working with bacteria to make biochemical magic at amazing temperature extremes.
How does this benefit sterile processing? With proper sourcing and chemical engineering, higher quality enzymatic detergents are available with expanded temperature ranges. A validated product should spring into action for bedside endoscope cleaning at 65 degrees F and provide verified cleaning at 150 degrees F in an automated washer. This allows sterile processing departments to standardize on high quality enzymatic detergents for multiple applications.
The hidden factor that departments should consider when debating the choice between enzymatic and non-enzymatic detergent for soak and sink applications: blood and dried soils inside endoscope channels, box locks and inner surfaces of Kerrison rongeurs. Non-enzymatic detergent works best with friction and direct scrubbing. By contrast, a detergent with effective enzyme content will help dissolve soils where direct contact and scrubbing is difficult or impossible.
Without regulation for our medical grade detergents, it is difficult for sterile processing departments to proceed with confidence when selecting chemical cleaners. Because advertising claims may not support best practices from professional guidelines, it is critical for departments to select products validated with testing. In addition, create policies for regular documented cleaning verification using commercially available tools such as enzyme monitors and cleaning verification test coupons.