Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Sterile Processing Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

A proteolytic enzyme detergent is specifically designed to target and break down proteins, which includes a variety of biological substances found in bodily fluids. Blood is rich in proteins such as hemoglobin, plasma proteins, and enzymes. The role of a proteolytic enzyme in a detergent is crucial for effectively removing these proteinaceous materials from medical instruments and surfaces during the cleaning process in sterile processing.

The effectiveness of proteolytic detergents in breaking down blood and other protein-based soils makes them essential in maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination in a healthcare setting. Other options, such as fatty materials, plastic residue, and starch, are typically addressed by other types of detergents that target lipids or carbohydrates specifically. This highlights the specialized function of proteolytic enzyme detergents in the realm of sterile processing and the importance of using the correct type of cleaning agent for various types of contaminants.