Contamination Of Keyboards Research Articles

AIUM Official Statement: Guidelines for Cleaning and Preparing External- and Internal-Use Ultrasound Transducers and Equipment Between Patients as Well as Safe Handling and Use of Ultrasound Coupling Gel.

AIUM Official Statement: Guidelines for Cleaning and Preparing External- and Internal-Use Ultrasound Transducers and Equipment Between Patients as Well as Safe Handling and Use of Ultrasound Coupling Gel.

How dirty is your QWERTY? The risk of healthcare pathogen transmission from computer keyboards

Healthcare environmental surfaces may be contaminated with micro-organisms that cause healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). Special attention is paid to near-patient surfaces but sites outside the patient zone receive less attention. This paper presents data on keyboard contamination and the risk of pathogen transmission from keyboards. Keyboards from nursing stations in three hospitals and a dental practice were analysed for bacterial contamination. Surfaces were pre-treated to remove planktonic bacteria so that any remaining bacteria were presumed to be associated with biofilm. Bacterial transfer from keyboard keys was studied following wiping with sterile water or sodium hypochlorite. The presence of multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) was sought using selective culture. Moist swabbing did not detect bacteria from any keyboard samples. Use of enrichment broth, however, demonstrated MDROs from most samples. Gram-negative bacteria were recovered from almost half (45%) of the samples, with meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococcus and MDR Acinetobacter spp. recovered from 72%, 31% and 17% of samples, respectively. Isolates were transferred from 69% of samples after wiping with sterile water, and from 54% of samples after wiping with 1000 ppm sodium hypochlorite. While moist swabbing failed to detect bacteria from keyboards, pathogens were recovered using enrichment culture. Use of water- or NaOCl-soaked wipes transferred bacteria from most samples tested. This study implies that hospital keyboards situated outside the patient zone commonly harbour dry surface biofilms (DSBs) that offer a potential reservoir for transferable pathogens. While the role of keyboards in transmission is uncertain, there is a need to pursue effective solutions for eliminating DSBs from keyboards.

Keyboard Contamination in Intensive Care Unit: Is Cleaning Enough? Prospective Research of In Situ Effectiveness of a Tea Tree Oil (KTEO) Film.

After the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, disinfection practices and microbial load reduction have become even more important and rigorous. To determine the contamination of keyboard surface and the relative risk to transfer healthcare-associated pathogens to susceptible patients, as it frequently happens in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a standard keyboard (SK), a cleanable keyless keyboard (KK) with smooth surface and a standard keyboard coated with a 3M Tegaderm® film added with active essential oil (tea tree oil) (KTEO) were tested. S. aureus, including MRSA strains, were detected in ICU, with values ranging from 15% to 57%. Gram negative strains belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family were also found with values ranging from 14% to 71%. Similar Gram positive and Gram negative strains were found on all surfaces, but with low percentage, and only environmental bacteria were detected using the settling plates method. The Microbial Challenge Test performed on KTEO showed high rates of decrease for all the pathogens with statistical significance both at 24 and 48h (p=0.003* and p=0.040*, respectively). Our results suggest that the use of KTEO may be a feasible strategy for reducing the transmission of pathogens in health care setting and may be complementary to surface cleaning protocols.

Microbial contamination of keyboards and electronic equipment of ICU (Intensive Care Units) in Kashan University of medical sciences and health service hospitals

Microbial contamination of computer keyboards and inanimate surfaces of electronic equipment in ICU (Intensive Care Units) can have a significant role for ICU-acquired colonization and a spectrum of nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to survey the incidence of bacterial contamination and the distribution of species of computer keyboards and inanimate surfaces of bed side equipment in ICUs in Kashan University of medical sciences and health service hospitals. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was done on 75 computer keyboards and inanimate surfaces electronic equipment in 5 ICUs during 2016–2017. Samples were collected from computer keyboards and electronic equipment with normal saline rinsed swabs. Samples were Cultivated on Blood Agar (BA), and MacConkey Agar (MAC) and growing bacteria were identified based on their morphology and biochemical properties. Seventy six (76%) out of 75 computer Keyboards and electronic equipment were contaminated with bacteria and fungi. The most contamination pertained to gram positive bacteria (70.7%) and the most isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci. The highest contamination rates were found on computer keyboards and electronic equipment of which were nurses.•This study demonstrates that monitoring inanimate surfaces and considering these surfaces as source of nosocomial infections is necessary.•In total, Seventy six (76%) out of 75 computer keyboards and electronic equipment in ICUs had positive culture.•It can be concluded that it is necessary for ICUs of Kashan university of medical sciences and Health service hospitals to have practical and regular program to reduce nosocomial infections.

Evaluating the effectiveness of ultraviolet-C lamps for reducing keyboard contamination in the intensive care unit: A longitudinal analysis.

Ultraviolet (UV) spectrum light for decontamination of patient care areas is an effective way to reduce transmission of infectious pathogens. Our purpose was to investigate the efficacy of an automated UV-C device to eliminate bioburden on hospital computer keyboards. The study took place at an academic hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Baseline cultures were obtained from keyboards in intensive care units. Automated UV-C lamps were installed over keyboards and mice of those computers. The lamps were tested at varying cycle lengths to determine shortest effective cycles. Delay after use and prior to cycle initiation was varied to minimize cycle interruptions. Finally, 218 postinstallation samples were analyzed. Of 203 baseline samples, 193 (95.1%) were positive for bacteria, with a median of 120 colony forming units (CFU) per keyboard. There were numerous bacteria linked to health care-associated infections (HAIs), including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Pasteurella, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, and Enterobacter. Of the 193 keyboards, 25 (12.3%) had gram-negative species. Of 218 postinstallation samples, 205 (94%) were sterile. Of the 13 that showed bacterial growth, 6 produced a single CFU. Comparison of pre- and post-UV decontamination median CFU values (120 and 0, respectively) revealed a >99% reduction in bacteria. The UV lamp effectively decontaminates keyboards with minimal interruption and low UV exposure. Further studies are required to determine reduction of HAI transmission with use of these devices.

Prevalence and risk factors for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage among emergency department workers and bacterial contamination on touch surfaces in Erciyes University Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey.

The aim of this study was to determine Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) nasal carriage among emergency department (ED) workers, and bacterial contamination on hand-touch surfaces at ED. This single-centered study enrolled 105 ED workers and 190 hand-touch surfaces at ED in June 2014. Nasal and environmental samples for S. aureus carriage and for bacterial contamination were obtained. For isolation swabs were cultured on ChromAgar S. aureus and environmental samples first cultured in broth and antibiogram obtained by clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. A questionnaire was completed for each subject. The S. aureus carriage rate was 18.1% (n=19), with 2.9% (n=3) MRSA positivity. There were two (1.9%) mobile phone positivities for S. aureus, one of them was MRSA, and a computer keyboard contamination for MRSA was also detected. All MRSA isolates were susceptible for the tested antibiotics. There was significant difference between gender (p=0.044) in terms of nasal carriage of S. aureus and MRSA, all three MRSA isolates were from females. Our study showed that the carriage of MRSA was not affected by clinical exposure in the hospital because of the existing infection control policy in our hospital.

Impact of a disinfecting technique on microbial contamination of computer keyboards and telephone handsets

Background: Computers and telephones are ubiquitous in the hospital and have been shown to be contaminated with potentially pathogenic microorganism. The aim of the study was to determine microbial contamination on computer keyboards and telephone handsets and the effectiveness of a disinfecting technique (DT). Methods: A matched cross-over study, involving an overall of 50 computer keyboards and 50 telephone handsets, was conducted in three hospitals, located in the Local Health Area of Siena (Italy) before and after the use of an innovative DT consisting of a malleable-elastic compound, containing ethanol, which adheres to surfaces, removes dirt and disinfects. Total bacterial count was evaluated and several types of bacteria and fungi were researched pre- and post- use of the DT. Non parametric tests: Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann Whitney, were used, when appropriate. Results: The DT was effective in disinfecting the objects. In fact, Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) decreased to zero in most comparisons. All the comparisons showed significant differences (p<0.001) after the DT, both for computer keyboards and telephone handsets. The only exception was found for molds in telephones (p=0.062). Keyboards emerged to be dirtier than telephones handsets (p<0.05) for several types of bacteria. Conclusions: The data suggest that microbial contamination of keyboards and telephones is considerable. These objects can be a vehicle for Health Care-Associated Infections HAIs and their disinfection should not be neglected. The DT showed to be appropriate for the disinfecting purpose.

Computer Keyboard and Mice: Potential Sources of Disease Transmission and Infections

Computer Keyboard and Mice: Potential Sources of Disease Transmission and Infections

Are computer keyboards a cross-infection risk in a dental clinic?

Computers in dental surgeries located within the patient treatment room could potentially pose a risk of cross-infection of patients and operators. The aims of this investigation were to determine the degree of contamination of computer keyboards located in clinics and study rooms in a teaching dental hospital, to determine the survival time of micro-organisms on keyboards and to compare the efficiency of two common disinfectants in disinfecting keyboards. All keyboards were found to be contaminated with a variety of micro-organisms including Staphylococcus aureus, coagulasenegative staphylococci, Gram-negative rods and cocci. A range of Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and Candida albicans were able to survive up to 10 days in dried suspensions on computer keys. Seventy per cent isopropanol wipes proved effective in reducing the numbers of viable test organisms on keys by at least 96% and reducing contamination of keyboards in routine use. The data suggest that computers in dental study areas and clinics act as reservoirs of potentially pathogenic organisms including S. aureus and should be regularly disinfected to reduce the risk of cross-infection.

Laboratory and in-use assessment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination of ergonomic computer keyboards for ward use

An ideal computer keyboard for clinical use would be easily cleanable and cleaned by staff, meet acceptable levels of usability, and not attract hospital bacteria. In vitro studies were performed to demonstrate bacterial transfer between keyboard surfaces and gloves. This was followed by a usability study and a controlled trial of keyboard contamination in an intensive care unit both with and without an alarm to indicate the need for cleaning. Eight cleanable keyboards were placed at random beds and compared with standard keyboards. Bacteria were most easily removed from a flat silicone-coated surface. The total viable count on flat keyboards with an alarm was lower than that on standard or other cleanable keyboards (median, 19 colony-forming units [cfu] (interquartile range, 7 to 40 cfu), n = 34; 65 cfu (33 to 140 cfu), n = 50; and 40 cfu (21 to 57 cfu), n = 80). Compliance with hand hygiene before touching the standard keyboard was 27%, but the alarmed keyboard was cleaned on 87% of occasions on which the alarm was triggered. The usability study found the flat profile of the cleanable keyboard did not interfere with routine use, except for touch-typing. The flat keyboard with an alarm is easy to clean, and it use is associated with better cleaning compliance.

Anaesthetists' role in computer keyboard contamination in an operating room

To store anaesthetic records in computers, anaesthetists usually input data while still wearing dirty wet gloves. No studies have explored computer contamination in the operating room (OR) or anaesthetists' awareness of the importance of handwashing or hand hygiene. We investigated four components of keyboard contamination: (1) degree of contamination, (2) effect of cleaning with ethyl alcohol, (3) bacterial transmission between gloves and keyboards by tapping keys, and (4) frequency of anaesthetists' performing hand hygiene. Most of the bacteria on keyboards were coagulase-negative staphylococci and Bacillus spp.; however, meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was also found. Cleaning keyboards with ethyl alcohol effectively reduced bacterial counts. Wet contaminated gloves and keyboards transmitted meticillin-susceptible Staphylococcus epidermidis from one to the other more readily than dry contaminated gloves and keyboards. Only 17% of anaesthetists performed hand hygiene before anaesthesia, although 64% or 69% of anaesthetists performed hand hygiene after anaesthesia or before lunch. To prevent cross-contamination, keyboards should be routinely cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions and disinfected once daily, or, when visibly soiled with blood or secretions. Moreover, anaesthetists should be aware that they could spread microbes that might cause healthcare-associated infection in the OR. Anaesthetists should perform hand hygiene before and after anaesthesia and remove gloves after each procedure and before using the computer.

Bacterial Contamination of Keyboards: Efficacy and Functional Impact of Disinfectants

The increasing use of computers in patient areas has made keyboards important reservoirs for pathogens, possibly contributing to health care-related hospital infections. Current CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines for hand hygiene could nullify the risk of transmitting pathogens from computer keyboards to patients, but numerous studies show that fewer than half of health care workers comply with them. This study examined the efficacy of six disinfectants, three containing quaternary ammonium and one each containing chlorine, alcohol, and phenol, against three microorganisms that were innoculated into computer keyboards. The test organisms were oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and vancomycin- resistant Enterococcus (VRE) species. Specimens were collected using swabs moistened with trypticase soy broth from 25 computer keyboards in two intensive care units dealing with burns and cardiothoracic disorders, respectively, as well as six nursing units whose patients were receiving short-term care. All 25 keyboards harbored two or more microorganisms before disinfection. Coagulase-negative staphylococci, diphtheroids, Micrococcus species, and Bacillus species all were found in at least half the keyboards tested. Pathogens recovered from keyboard cultures included ORSA, Vancomycin-susceptible Enterococccus species, Aspergillus flavus, and A. niger. All six disinfectants were very effective in removing or inactivating ORSA, VRE, and P. aeruginosa. A water control also proved to be an excellent means of removing pathogens. In all instances, more than 95% of test bacteria were removed or inactivated. The quaternary ammonium preparations were very active against VRE for the entire 48-hour test period. Alcohol, in contrast, exerted no sustained, clinically relevant activity. The quaternary ammonium compounds also were active for a sustained time against P. aeruginosa, although not as active as against VRE. As was the case for VRE, alcohol was not highly active for a sustained period against P. aeruginosa. Applying disinfectant did not appear to impair keyboard function. The investigators recommend that computer keyboards used in patient care areas be disinfected each day and whenever visibly soiled or contaminated with blood. Caregivers should avoid touching keyboards with contaminated hands. If keyboard covers are used, they also should be disinfected. Mobile computers used by patients should be disinfected after every session. A keyboard used by an isolated patient should remain in the same room until no longer needed, and then disinfected.

Research on Infection Control and Incontinence

The summaries that follow capture important, research-based work that has been published recently, and we believe that it may hold special interest for home healthcare nurses. This column starts out with an article on keyboard contamination in the healthcare setting. It is a hospital-based study, but has significant implications for home care with the increasing use of electronic equipment at home. Following this are three articles on incontinence research touching on issues such as prevalence, prevention, psychosocial correlates, and cost of care. We hope that the following summaries will raise awareness of important issues and may provide some guidance on addressing the many challenges of meeting the needs of a diverse and complex home care patient population. For additional information and insights, we suggest that our readers go to the original articles.

Keyboard Contamination: A Reservoir for Hospital Pathogens?

Computer keyboards in healthcare settings could serve as reservoirs for bacterial pathogens, which could subsequently be transmitted to patients.

Bacterial Contamination of Keyboards: Efficacy and Functional Impact of Disinfectants

Computers are ubiquitous in the healthcare setting and have been shown to be contaminated with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. This study was performed to determine the degree of microbial contamination, the efficacy of different disinfectants, and the cosmetic and functional effects of the disinfectants on the computer keyboards. We assessed the effectiveness of 6 different disinfectants (1 each containing chlorine, alcohol, or phenol and 3 containing quaternary ammonium) against 3 test organisms (oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [ORSA], Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus species) inoculated onto study computer keyboards. We also assessed the computer keyboards for functional and cosmetic damage after disinfectant use. Potential pathogens cultured from more than 50% of the computers included coagulase-negative staphylococci (100% of keyboards), diphtheroids (80%), Micrococcus species (72%), and Bacillus species (64%). Other pathogens cultured included ORSA (4% of keyboards), OSSA (4%), vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus species (12%), and nonfermentative gram-negative rods (36%). All disinfectants, as well as the sterile water control, were effective at removing or inactivating more than 95% of the test bacteria. No functional or cosmetic damage to the computer keyboards was observed after 300 disinfection cycles. Our data suggest that microbial contamination of keyboards is prevalent and that keyboards may be successfully decontaminated with disinfectants. Keyboards should be disinfected daily or when visibly soiled or if they become contaminated with blood.

Is Your Computer a Vector in Nosocomial Transmission

Colonization and infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are becoming more common worldwide. In acute-care settings, MRSA transmission has been most closely associated with hand-to-hand transfer. British investigators report the evaluation of ward-based computer terminal keyboard contamination in 2 hospitals. Medical and …