A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control examined the use of UV light to disinfect these electronics. Researchers studied eight bacterial species, including Clostridium difficile and Escherichia coli. They used a handheld UV-C-emitting light, and found even just a few seconds of irradiation led to a significant reduction of the bacterial load on the surface of the electronics.
“It seems that application of UV-C light with a handheld device may be a reasonable alternative for disinfecting plain surfaces that cannot be safely disinfected using standard chemicals in daily routine practice,” the researchers concluded, though they noted further investigation into the reliability, safety and cost-effectiveness of the practice is necessary.
More articles on infection prevention:
Americans unlikely to seek treatment for the flu, survey finds
Patient harms fall 17% since 2010: Are federal incentives working?
Patient safety tool: How to treat severe infections in the ICU
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
