Forbes reports harmful bacteria can linger on computer keyboards in hospitals, making it easy for the germs to spread to patients, a new study finds. Computers are being increasingly used in medical facilities and keyboards and mouse are also a source of potentially lethal bacteria, viruses and infections between users.
Some excerpts from that article…
To combat spreading of bacterial infection, a research team led by Dr. Gary Noskin, medical director for healthcare epidemiology and quality at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, suggests that those using multi-user computers should wash their hands after each use. In addition, computer keyboards should be disinfected regularly.
Another expert, Dr. Philip Tierno, director of clinical microbiology and immunology at New York University Medical Center and author of The Secret Life of Germs, goes even further and advises that computer keyboards in schools and libraries should be disinfected often to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
Effective hand washing can prevent the spread of these bacteria, Noskin said. “Health-care workers, after being in contact with keyboards, need to really wash their hands before they come in contact with patients.
Tierno believes that any computer keyboard that is used by many users should be disinfected often.
This has led to increased sales of keyboard protection and Infection control covers. The ability to disinfect and clean PC keyboards and mouse is important in minimizing infections between patients and medical personnel.
Check out the new development of Medical Keyboards, Waterproof Medical PC Keyboards and Mice. These keyboards can be disinfected easily by routine disinfectants, are water and chemical resistant, durable and sealed in silicone, thin and ergonomic and available in flexible or rigid designs. They are easily cleaned and are waterproof to prevent these disinfecting solutions from going inside.
Did your doctor wash his hands after entering your data and prescription on the computer before examining you?