In the sterilization workflow, selecting the appropriate cleaning chemistry is not only critical to cleaning efficacy, but also a key factor in protecting one of the hospital’s most valuable assets - medical instruments.
1. Enzyme Detergents: Flexible and Highly Material-Compatible
Enzymatic detergents act as “intelligent biological cleaners”, specifically designed to break down organic soils.
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- High specificity: Effectively degrade proteins (blood residues), lipids (fats), polysaccharides, and cellulose, including components of biofilm.
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- Safe and material-friendly: Neutral pH, non-corrosive—making them the preferred choice for delicate instruments, flexible endoscopes, and robotic surgical instruments.
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- Highly versatile: Effective even at ambient temperatures, ideal for manual cleaning, ultrasonic baths, and automated washer-disinfectors.
2. Alkaline Detergents: Powerful Dissolving Performance
Alkaline-based detergents deliver strong mechanical and chemical cleaning action, but require stricter control of operating conditions—especially temperature—making them more suitable for automated washers.
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- Maximum cleaning performance: When combined with elevated temperatures in washer-disinfectors, alkaline detergents can dissolve stubborn organic soils more aggressively than enzymes alone.
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- Microbial control: High pH creates an unfavorable environment for microorganisms, helping suppress bacterial growth during the cleaning phase.
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- Potential risks: Strong alkalinity may lead to instrument corrosion and cause operator discomfort if not properly managed.
Expert Recommendation from Borer (Switzerland): Current best practice in advanced CSSDs is a “synergistic cleaning strategy”—combining enzymatic detergents with mild alkaline agents:
- Manual cleaning: Prioritize enzymatic detergents.
- Automated cleaning: Use a combination of enzymatic and mild alkaline detergents to maximize cleaning efficacy while maintaining instrument safety.
Content responsibility: Mr. Sơn – 0904 515 218
If you are uncertain about selecting the most suitable detergents for your instruments and reprocessing workflow, please contact Duong Gia at 0904 515 218 or Hotline: 093 955 66 66 for professional consultation and tailored solutions.