Cleanable Medical Keyboard Helps Prevent Hospital-Acquired Infections

altAustin, TX, June 17, 2009 — As the outbreak of swine flu made headline news this year, so did concerns about infection control. Preventing the spread of this illness and others among hospital staff and patients is critical, and the world is now paying close attention.

Unfortunately, cross-contamination can occur through germs on commonly used products in medical environments, including computer keyboards.

“Studies have shown that potentially harmful bacteria can survive for prolonged periods of time on computer keyboards, increasing the possibility of hospital-acquired infections,” Danielle Nepustil, Marketing Manager for iKey Medical Keyboards, said. “One study has even shown that keyboards can harbor more germs per square inch than a toilet seat.”

iKey, a leader in manufacturing liquidproof medical keyboards for over 20 years, develops innovative products specifically for infection control. Testing conducted by Ball State University determined that a 10 percent bleach solution decontaminates iKey’s keyboards and pointing devices from MRSA, Hepatitis C and other infectious diseases.

Innovative medical keyboard designs from iKey include the new SLK-97-TP. Tightly sealed in a durable, waterproof polycarbonate case, the SLK-97-TP is built with an integrated touchpad and is designed for easy disinfecting. The industrial silicone rubber keypad features low-profile keys with excellent tactile feel and red LED backlighting for low-light environments.

The SLK-97-TP is compatible with all hospital-approved cleaning agents. Measuring 14.4” x 5.4” x 0.9” (width-height-depth), the keyboard fits easily into medical carts, operating rooms, workstations and other areas.

For more information on the SLK-97-TP and other medical keyboards from iKey, visit www.ikey.com/medical, or call iKey toll-free at (800) 866-6506.


iKey designs and manufactures sealed, rugged keyboards and pointing devices for industrial, public safety, medical and military applications. A pioneer in its industry since 1989, iKey is known as an innovator of industrial computer peripherals. For more information, visit www.ikey.com.