Why Medical-Grade Keyboards Are Essential for Infection Control in Hospitals

By SteriClick 12 Apr 2025 45 Comments

Infection control is a top priority in every healthcare facility. From operating rooms to ICUs, cleanliness can mean the difference between life and death. While healthcare professionals are vigilant about hand hygiene and surface sanitation, one often-overlooked contributor to infection risk is the humble computer keyboard. This is where medical-grade keyboards come into play.

The Hidden Danger of Standard Keyboards in Hospitals

Most hospital staff interact with computer peripherals multiple times a day, from documenting patient notes to inputting prescriptions. Unfortunately, standard office keyboards are not designed for frequent cleaning or exposure to disinfectants. They often have gaps between keys that collect dust, blood, saliva, and other biological matter. These conditions create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.

The Role of Medical-Grade Keyboards in Infection Control

Unlike traditional keyboards, medical-grade keyboards are engineered to meet the hygiene demands of medical environments. Their fully sealed, waterproof construction allows them to be sprayed, wiped, or even submerged for thorough disinfection. This is critical in reducing the risk of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), which impact 1 in 31 hospital patients, according to the CDC..

Features of a Medical-Grade Keyboard:

  • Sealed design: Prevents the entry of fluids and particles
  • Antimicrobial coating: Inhibits microbial growth
  • Easy to disinfect: Supports cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants
  • Silent and backlit keys: Useful for late-night and emergency room operations

Clinical Environments That Benefit Most:

  • Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Operating Theatres
  • Pathology Labs
  • Dental Clinics

Each of these settings involves high exposure to biohazards and needs equipment that supports strict infection control protocols.

Linking Medical Keyboards to Compliance

Hospitals are increasingly being audited for their hygiene practices and infection control strategies. Using a certified hospital keyboard is a step toward regulatory compliance with organizations like:

  • The Joint Commission (TJC)
  • Health Canada
  • National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)

Switching to washable keyboards not only protects patients but also aligns with national and international hygiene mandates.

How to Clean a Medical-Grade Keyboard

Hospitals are increasingly being audited for their hygiene practices and infection control strategies. Using a certified hospital keyboard is a step toward regulatory compliance with organizations like:

  1. Turn off or unplug the keyboard.
  2. Spray or wipe with an approved hospital disinfectant.
  3. Let it air dry, or wipe with a clean microfiber cloth.
  4. If the device supports it (IP68 rated), submerge it for deep cleaning.

Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to prevent damage and maintain warranty.

Conclusion

In a world where hospital-acquired infections can spread silently, every piece of equipment must play its part. Upgrading to medical-grade keyboards is a smart, effective, and necessary step in any hospital’s infection control strategy. Choose washable, compliant hardware that supports both patient safety and staff efficiency.