Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

What is the role of an enzymatic cleaner?

1. To sterilize all surfaces

2. To break down organic molecules

3. To enhance the smell of cleaning areas

4. To act as a disinfectant

The correct answer is: To break down organic molecules

The role of an enzymatic cleaner is primarily to break down organic molecules, which encompasses a variety of substances including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates found in blood, tissue, and other organic residues. Enzymatic cleaners contain specific enzymes that target these organic materials, facilitating their degradation and removal during the cleaning process. This action is particularly important in medical and laboratory settings, where thorough cleaning of devices and instruments is essential to prevent infection and ensure proper function. While sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all microorganisms, enzymatic cleaners are not designed for this purpose. Sterilization typically requires heat, chemicals, or filtration techniques that go beyond the function of an enzymatic cleaner. Additionally, although some cleaning agents may have pleasant scents, enhancing the smell is not a primary function of enzymatic cleaners. They also do not serve as disinfectants, which are meant to kill or inactivate microorganisms; enzymatic cleaners focus solely on breaking down organic matter, often as a preliminary step before disinfection or sterilization can effectively take place.