By Healthcare Facilities Today

With smart phones and tablets greater presence among staff and visitors to healthcare facilities, keeping them germ free is increasingly important. "That devices can be a source of disease transmission is not a subject of debate anymore," said Dr. Dubert Guerrero in a recent article in the New York Times.

Guerrero is an infectious disease specialist at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND, and co-author of a study about the persistence of bacteria on iPads.

The study found that regularly wiping down your device with a moist microfiber cloth was sufficient to eliminate many kinds of common bacteria. but bacteria like clostridium difficile and flu viruses may require a sterilizing agent like bleach or alcohol.

Apple officially warns against using "window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia or abrasives" to clean its products and advises instead to "simply wipe the screen with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oil left by your hands." Other manufacturers offer similar advice or none at all, the article said. But the Apple Store carries 32-percent isopropyl alcohol wipes. 

Ultraviolet sanitizer are also available as are washable screen protectors and antimicrobial and protective keyboard, trackpad and palm rest covers that are nearly invisible and washable. Health and electronics experts advise wiping down mobile devices with a moist microfiber cloth at least daily for basic sanitation. 

Read the article.