When considering buying a new diagnostic or dental monitor, the ability to thoroughly clean and disinfect the device is often overlooked. However, with the increased prevalence of (cross-)contamination, and the importance of infection control, a cleanable design is becoming indispensable.
It goes without saying that sensible hygiene regulations are vital to counteract the spread of these and other infections. For example, healthcare-associated infections (HAI) show a high resistance to antibiotics. Medical professionals routinely wash their hands with antibacterial agents, change gloves, and take many other precautions to prevent transmitting infections to patients.
In the healthcare sector, a clean working environment is just as indispensable as personal hygiene. But displays are an underestimated source of cross-contamination.
There are about 10 million bacteria on a typical computer monitor, which is 400 times more germs than on the average toilet seat. There are also about 1.7 million cases of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) per year. Projected treatment costs for these are $45 billion annually.
Monitors should have a protective cover, covering 100% of the front surface for optimal cleaning. LCD panels are vulnerable and cannot handle just any kind of chemical products. Moreover, having a flat cleanable surface eliminates the risk of accumulating bacteria.
Normally, you can clean a covered medical display just as any other medical equipment – no special handling needed. Swipe the flat, covered surface with a sponge, cleaning cloth or soft tissue, using a recognized cleaning product for medical equipment.
Find more tips in this article, and don't forget to read your display’s user guide thoroughly for its specific cleaning instructions!
