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Published on: October 5, 2020
Evaluation of 6 Methods for Aerobic Bacterial Sanitization of Smartphones
Mia T Lieberman1, Carolyn M Madden2, Eric J Ma3
1Division of Comparative Medicine and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts;,
Abstract:
Smartphones are ubiquitous devices that offer a variety of useful applications for human and veterinary medical professionals and the biomedical research community. Smartphones can serve as fomites and potentially transmit pathogens, including bacterial species such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The goal of this study was to evaluate 6 methods to decrease aerobic bacterial colonies on smartphones, including two 254-nm UVC devices, 70% ethanol spray, quaternary ammonium disinfectant spray, sodium hypochlorite-impregnated wipes, and delicate-task wipes. All methods were individually effective at decreasing aerobic bacterial counts after sanitization. In addition, 254-nm UVC devices providing a dose of 60 mJ/cm2, with UVC bulbs exposing both sides of the smartphone, were an effective nonliquid method for smartphone sanitization.
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