A US-based firm has produced an antimicrobial keyboard that can be safely put in a dishwasher as part of the fight against the spread of contamination in hospitals.
Numerous independent studies have shown that computer keyboards are a primary cross contamination risk for hospitals worldwide.
Seal Shield has now begun shipping the 108 key, fully submersible keyboards with Silver Seal antimicrobial protection to reduce the risk of contaminations from superbugs like the Norovirus and MRSA.
Research by Dr Charles Gerbac, from the University of Arizona, shows that keyboards have about 10 million germs living on them at any one time. Dr Gerba added that the average keyboard has about “400 times more germs than a normal toilet seat”.
Silver Seal antimicrobial devices use pure silver ions embedded in the plastic by the means of nanotechnology to create an inorganic, antimicrobial solution.
Seal Shield said the combination of Silver Seal plastic and Seal Shield washable technology results in the highest level of cross contamination protection available in an input device today.
Tom Mullaney, Seal Shield vice president of international development, said: “The new Silver Seal International Keyboards are the best in class, infection control keyboards on the market. They look and feel like standard keyboards, but are unique in that they are antimicrobial and dishwasher safe.
“The Silver Seal International Keyboards provide world wide healthcare organisations with the same Silver Seal infection control technology currently used in hospitals across the United States.”
Copyright PA Business 2008
See also:
Bug-free keyboards fight infection
Wednesday 18th June 2008
Your comments (Terms and conditions apply):
“I applaud any effort to increase the infection control provision for keyboards as they are a well recognised source of bugs and infection. However, is this really the answer? Is it practical? I know I don’t want to have to go through the hassle of disconnecting a keyboard and dragging it off somewhere to be washed while I dig out another keyboard to use. I would much rather use other infection control keyboards on the market that offer cleaning at the press of a key without needing to disconnect anything. Roll on common sense!” – Roy James, UK
