Enzymatic Instrument Detergents: How to Choose
An enzymatic instrument detergent is the first step in every reprocessing workflow: it breaks down the blood, protein, fat, and carbohydrate soil that dries onto instruments after a procedure. Choosing the right one comes down to three things — the enzyme system (single, dual, or multi-enzyme), the form (liquid concentrate, presoak, or foam), and where it will be used (a manual sink, an ultrasonic bath, or an automated washer). Get those right and everything downstream, including high-level disinfection, works far more reliably.
Why enzymatic cleaning comes first
Cleaning always precedes disinfection and sterilization. Organic soil physically shields microbes and can inactivate disinfectant chemistry, so an instrument that is not clean cannot be reliably disinfected — a principle emphasized throughout CDC disinfection and sterilization guidance. Enzymatic detergents use biological enzymes to digest that soil rather than relying on scrubbing alone, which matters most for lumened and hinged instruments you cannot reach with a brush.
Enzyme systems: single, dual, and multi
Each enzyme targets a different soil:
- Protease — breaks down blood and protein (the most common surgical soil).
- Lipase — breaks down fats and oils.
- Amylase — breaks down starches and carbohydrates.
A single-enzyme (protease-only) detergent handles routine protein soil economically. A dual-enzyme product like Enzyclean II adds lipase for fattier caseloads. A multi-enzyme formula such as the McKesson Multi-Enzymatic Detergent combines protease, lipase, and amylase for the broadest cleaning across mixed surgical, GI, and dental soils.
Form factors
The same chemistry ships in several forms depending on where cleaning happens:
| Product | Enzyme system | Form | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| McKesson Multi-Enzymatic | Multi (protease/lipase/amylase) | Liquid concentrate | Everyday manual and ultrasonic cleaning |
| Enzyclean II | Dual | Liquid concentrate / presoak | Fattier caseloads, presoak |
| Prolystica | Enzymatic | Concentrate | Automated washers and validated protocols |
| EZ-Zyme | Multi | Single-dose presoak | Point-of-use, transport, low waste |
Liquid concentrate
The most economical choice for volume users. You dilute a set amount per gallon, so cost-per-use is low and one container covers manual sinks and ultrasonic baths alike.
Presoak and point-of-use
Soil is far easier to remove before it dries. A single-dose presoak such as EZ-Zyme lets staff start the enzymatic action at the point of use or during transport, protecting instruments and cutting scrubbing time later.
Match the detergent to your equipment
For manual and ultrasonic cleaning, a neutral-pH, low-foaming multi-enzyme concentrate is the safe default — low foam is important because excessive suds interfere with ultrasonic cavitation. For automated washer-disinfectors, choose a product validated for that use, such as Prolystica, and follow the equipment manufacturer's dosing.
Safety and handling
Enzymatic detergents are generally low-hazard, but you are handling contaminated instruments, so follow OSHA bloodborne pathogens practice: wear gloves, eye protection, and fluid-resistant coverings, and keep the product Safety Data Sheet on hand. Our lab PPE requirements guide covers glove and face-protection selection.
Shop the full range of McKesson enzymatic detergents and instrument-reprocessing supplies, shipped from US inventory as an authorized McKesson dealer.
Why buy from LabSupplies.com
As an authorized McKesson dealer, we stock the McKesson private-label detergents alongside the brands your protocols may already specify — Enzyclean, Prolystica, EZ-Zyme, Endozime, and Sklar — and ship them from US inventory with fast fulfillment and technical support by phone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between single, dual, and multi-enzyme detergents?
Single-enzyme (protease) targets protein and blood; dual adds lipase for fats; multi-enzyme adds amylase for carbohydrates, giving the broadest cleaning across mixed soils.
Do I need a separate presoak?
A presoak is not mandatory, but starting enzymatic action at the point of use keeps soil from drying, which makes later cleaning faster and more reliable, especially for lumened instruments.
Can I use enzymatic detergent in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Yes, but choose a low-foaming formula. Excess foam dampens ultrasonic cavitation and reduces cleaning effectiveness.
Does enzymatic cleaning replace disinfection?
No. Cleaning removes soil so that disinfection or sterilization can work. It is the required first step, not a substitute. See our high-level disinfectant guide for the next stage.
How much detergent do I use?
Follow the label dilution, typically a set volume per gallon for concentrates. Automated washers have their own validated dosing set by the equipment manufacturer.
By the LabSupplies.com Technical Team
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