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Basic Microbiologic and Infection Control Information to Reduce the Potential Transmission of Pathogens to Patients via Computer Hardware

Affiliations of the authors: Shriners Hospital for Children and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (ANN); Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon (DS).

Correspondence and reprints: Alice N. Neely, PhD, Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229; e-mail: e-mail: <aneely{at}shrinenet.org>.

Computer technology from the management of individual patient medical records to the tracking of epidemiologic trends has become an essential part of all aspects of modern medicine. Consequently, computers, including bedside components, point-of-care testing equipment, and handheld computer devices, are increasingly present in patients’ rooms. Recent articles have indicated that computer hardware, just as other medical equipment, may act as a reservoir for microorganisms and contribute to the transfer of pathogens to patients. This article presents basic microbiological concepts relative to infection, reviews the present literature concerning possible links between computer contamination and nosocomial colonizations and infections, discusses basic principles for the control of contamination, and provides guidelines for reducing the risk of transfer of microorganisms to susceptible patient populations.

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