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High efficiency of 70% isopropanol in reducing microbial contamination on healthcare workers' smartphone surfaces: a

Elizabeth Torres-Lévano1, Jeel Moya-Salazar2,3, Jair Li4

  • 1Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Lima, Perú.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control
|January 9, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Healthcare workers

Area of Science:

  • Healthcare-associated infections
  • Microbiology
  • Infection control

Background:

  • Mobile phones are frequently used by healthcare workers, increasing the risk of microbial contamination.
  • Limited evidence exists on effective disinfection methods for mobile phones in low- and middle-income countries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of 70% isopropanol in disinfecting healthcare workers' smartphones.
  • To assess microbial contamination rates on smartphones before and after disinfection.

Main Methods:

  • A pre-post study design was employed.
  • Microbiological cultures were analyzed from 178 smartphones before and after cleaning with 70% isopropanol.
  • Demographic, occupational, and phone usage data were collected.

Main Results:

  • Over 90% of smartphones were contaminated, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common microorganism.
  • 70% isopropanol significantly reduced microbial contamination from 90.4% to 14.0% (p < 0.001).
  • Colony counts decreased significantly from 73.4 CFU/cm² to 3.9 CFU/cm² (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • 70% isopropanol is highly effective in disinfecting healthcare workers' smartphones.
  • This disinfection method can significantly reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
  • Implementing effective phone cleaning protocols is crucial in healthcare settings.
Keywords:
Healthcare workerIsopropanolMicrobial contaminationSmartphone

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