Evaluation of an automated ultraviolet-C light disinfection device and patient hand hygiene for reduction of pathogen transfer from interactive touchscreen computer kiosks

Am J Infect Control. 2018 Apr;46(4):464-467. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.09.032. Epub 2017 Nov 22.

Abstract

Touchscreens are a potential source of pathogen transmission. In our facility, patients and visitors rarely perform hand hygiene after using interactive touchscreen computer kiosks. An automated ultraviolet-C touchscreen disinfection device was effective in reducing bacteriophage MS2, bacteriophage ϕX174, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium difficile spores inoculated onto a touchscreen. In simulations, an automated ultraviolet-C touchscreen disinfection device alone or in combination with hand hygiene reduced transfer of the viruses from contaminated touchscreens to fingertips.

Keywords: Bacteriophage MS-2; Bacteriophage ΦX174; Hand sanitizer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / radiation effects
  • Computer Peripherals*
  • Decontamination / methods
  • Disinfection / methods*
  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Equipment Contamination*
  • Hand Disinfection
  • Hand Hygiene*
  • Humans
  • Ultraviolet Rays*