JAOTech’s Wyki keyboards monitor their own disinfect status to give reminders when sterilisation is due is a bid to help with efforts to reduce instances of harmful bacteria such as MRSA and E coli.

 

The equipment was designed after research by microbiologists at University College London Hospital showed that bacteria levels on keyboards fall by 70% if they are cleaned every 12 hours.

 

The JAOTech Wyki keyboard has been designed not to harbour harmful bacteria and to warn staff when sterilisation is due

A JAOTech spokesman said: “Keyboards can harbour strains of harmful bacteria and pose a significant cross-contamination risk as they can be easily passed from user to user. The Wyki has been specifically designed to minimise this risk and has a Smart Disinfect feature allowing staff to define periods within which a keyboard must be sterilised.”

 

The model has a flat-key design with smooth contours and can be easily cleaned with hospital-approved germicide sprays or wipes, including alcohol-based compounds. To simplify cleaning, a disinfect button is also provided to deactivate other keys on the keyboard, so preventing accidental keypresses during sterilisation.

 

“Keyboards can harbour strains of harmful bacteria and pose a significant cross-contamination risk as they can be easily passed from user to user”

The company spokesman said: “The keyboard has a non-porous surface and the base in manufactured using plastics injected with Novaron, an anti-microbial agent that eliminates the spread of infection. Its all-in-one design also means no covers need to be replaced and no drying or submersion in water is required at any point.”

Compatible with the firm’s Smart Terminal range through a docking station, the keyboard can be paired with a terminal at the push of a button, providing interface for patient records, web browser, TV and VOIP applications.

JAOTech