Staphylococcal bacterial contamination of portable electronic devices in a large veterinary hospital

Access the article

Vinall, G. et al (2020) Staphylococcal bacterial contamination of portable electronic devices in a large veterinary hospital. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 62 (4), pp. 253-256. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13289.

Summary

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of staphylococcal contamination on portable electronic devices (PEDs), such as mobile phones and tablets, to identify the level of contamination and to determine whether humans or animals were the likely source. Hospital staff were also asked to complete a questionnaire that asked questions about their use of PEDs and the frequency and method of cleaning.

Although part of this paper looks at analysis of the bacteria found, for the purposes of the journal club we have concentrated on the implications for veterinary practices in terms of hygiene and infection control.

The February 2021 edition of inFOCUS contains a summary of this paper

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Further reading

QI CPD: Infection control and biosecurity resources [RCVS Knowledge] [Online] Available from: https://knowledge.rcvs.org.uk/quality-improvement/tools-and-resources/qi-cpd/#infection [Accessed 30 March 2021]

University of Edinburgh- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies: Hand wash and gel techniques [RCVS Knowledge] [Online] Available from: https://knowledge.rcvs.org.uk/document-library/covid-19-resources-from-university-of-edinburgh-royal-dick/ [Accessed 30 March 2021]

CVS (UK) Ltd: Infection control guidelines and cleaning checklists [RCVS Knowledge] [Online] Available from: https://knowledge.rcvs.org.uk/document-library/covid-19-resources-from-cvs-uk-ltd/  [Accessed 30 March 2021]

Zurita, M., Garland, M. and Ryan, T. (2023) Bacterial colonisation and the effect of a cleaning regime on iPad patient side electronic devices used in a veterinary healthcare setting. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 25 (5).  https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X231169