Contamination of computer keyboards in clinical areas: potential reservoir for nosocomial spread of organisms

Abstract

here has been a dramatic increase in the use of computers in healthcare settings in recent years. Staff move from computer to patient and back as part of their daily routine. To ascertain whether computer keyboards may harbour organisms and act as potential reservoirs for nosocomial spread, swabs were taken from the keyboards and mice of 48 computers situated in a variety of clinical areas. All 48 keyboards were contaminated; 4% were colonised with recognised bacterial pathogens and 96% harboured organisms that in certain clinical circumstances could cause nosocomial infections. Computer keyboards and mice should be cleaned regularly and the use of plastic covers may facilitate this. Cleaning requirements should take a higher priority when both purchasing and designing new healthcare equipment. However, all such improvements remain secondary to the need for strict hand hygiene practice in clinical areas.