New technology developed by computer-software and engineering students Northern Arizona University pairs a smart phone with hand-sanitizer dispensers to collect data on hospital staff, according to an article on the AZ Central website.

A group of students was challenged to apply their studies to help create a low-cost and hands-free device for hospitals to use to track how often staff are cleaning their hands. Other devices do exist that can collect this data, but none can do it without assistance from the user.

The resulting device is like a small computer that sits inside hand-sanitizer dispensers and is programmed to transmit collected data to a computer. It has a USB-like plug-in that is configured to pair with a BlueTooth connection on a smart phone.

When hospital staff activate hand-sanitizer dispensers, the device will connect with a smart phone in a pocket or purse and then transmit the data collection and analysis.

The device costs about $55 and isn't limited to hand sanitizer, but can also monitor sinks and soap dispensers.

Read the article.