Mobile phones and nosocomial infections

The use of mobile phones inside hospitals, especially in clinically sensitive areas, is a subject of controversy because it may improve the quality of healthcare but also can transmit healthcare associated infections. To determine the potential role of mobile phones in harbouring microorganisms, and to evaluate their role in transmission of microorganisms from the mobile phone to the hand of health care personnel, 32 staff members (12, 8 and 12 were neurosurgeons, anaesthetists and nurses respectively) were enrolled in this study. A questionnaire was submitted to all participants to collect information on the extent of usage of mobile phones, the location of use, the use of headsets, the awareness of disinfection practices of mobile phones and the frequency of hand washing after using their phones. They were asked to disinfect their hands using an alcohol based hand rub and fingers of both hands were cultured. Then, they were asked to do a short phone call from their personal mobile phones. Sampling was repeated from the hand used to make the call and from each participant’s mobile phone. Following the hand rub, no growth was detected. After the use of a mobile phone, the rate of bacterial contamination on the hands increased to 30 ⁄ 32 (93.7%) same as that found from the mobile phones (93.7%). The use of mobile phones in clinically sensitive areas should be weighed against the risk for contamination and transmission of infections.