A recent University of Arizona TV Remote Control Study, by Dr. Chuck Gerba, ranks the TV remote control as holding the highest level of bacteria in a patient's hospital room. The bacteria can lead to Nosocomial Infection, or hospital-acquired infection.
Among the bacteria found, MRSA the dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria were only discovered on the remote controls. There were no traces of it on any other objects tested.
The Study was conducted in June, July and August 2005. The study involved 15 hospital rooms to determine if the greatest number of bacteria in a patient's room occurs on the remote control.
Study Results
-The average total bacteria on the remote controls was 320.
-The average total bacteria on sites in the hospital room was 91.
-The average total bacteria on newly opened disposable remotes was 8.35. There was no detection of Staphylococcus Aureus on newly opened disposable remotes.
-MRSA bacteria were present on television remote controls in patient hospital rooms.
Note: Each remote was tested after the patient was released and the patient room was cleaned.
Staggering Statistics
-Nosocomial Infection - Hospital-Acquired Infections
-More than 2 million Americans acquire hospital-related infections each year.
-Almost 90,000 deaths are reported each year due to nosocomial infections.
-Patients with Staph infections spend an average of 14 days in the hospital compared to other patients.
-Each year, patients with hospital-acquired infections increase hospital bills by more than $9.5 billion
Don't take a change- use a new Germ Free Remotes bag each time to take care of this problem before it even starts!
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