Transcript bacteria on cell phones dmw

Is your cell phone making you
sick?
By Desiree McWhorter
Background Research

Bernd Hartman, et al; proposed an experiment testing computer user
interfaces for potentially pathogenic microorganisms in an intensive care
unit. The purpose of this study was to examine computer keyboards and
mice for microbial contamination. The bedside computer interface of each of
14 patent rooms, as well as infusion pumps, ventilators, and the ward trolley
were swabbed and then contained in a sterile solution for testing. In the
central ward of the hospital, 16 swabs were taken from the keyboard and
mouse of the physicians’ work station along with control buttons, the
intercom and the telephone receiver. After testing they came to the
conclusion that the electronic items that get heated up help grow bacteria
and suggested that regular cleaning and disinfection of phones and
keyboards etc. would be beneficial to your health and the people around
you.
Hartmann, Bernd. "Computer Keyboard and Mouse as a Resvoir
of Pathogens in an Intensice Care Unit." (2004).
Introduction
The purpose of this study is to test the number of everyday
items that we think are clean, but actually are not. In this
investigation, I will be testing the levels of microbial
contamination that can be found among every day items
including cell phones, door knobs, toilets, computer keyboards
and toothbrushes. A number of samples will be taken from each
of these items, and compared to a control group of sterile swabs.
This testing will take place in a biology laboratory at the
University of New Orleans. This experiment will allow me to
determine which surfaces harbor the most biological
contamination and pose the largest threat of infection.
Experimental Design Diagram
Hypothesis: I hypothesized the electronic items people use reguarly
would contain the most microbial contamination.
Independent Variable: Colonies of Bacteria growth
Levels of IV
0-?
0-?
0-?
0-?
Trials
3
3
3
3
Dependent Variable: Items being tested (Door handles, Toilet seats
,Toothbrushes, cellphones, computer keyboards)
Controlled Variables (constants)
Temperature (37degrees Celsius)
Materials and Equipment

Procedures:
18
1)
Label the Petri dishes for each of the samples
being collected and tested.
Fill Petri dishes with Agar gel that was melted
into a liquid.
Collect samples of all items being tested for
microbial contamination.
The samples were all placed into an incubator
at 37 degrees Celsius for 18 to 24 hours.
Petri dishes (three
for each group, and
three for the control
group)
18 sterile swabs
Agar gel
70% ethyl alcohol
distilled water
permanent marker
latex gloves
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Remove the Petri dishes and count the
colonies of bacteria that grow on them.
Divide the dishes into quadrants and use a
permanent marker to dot them.
make a chart that shows how the results
compare to each other for the different
samples.
POTENTIAL SOURCES OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION
SUBJECT
SOURCE
BACTERIA COUNT
CONTROL 1
STERILE COTTON SWAB
1
CONTROL 2
STERILE COTTON SWAB
0
CONTROL 3
STERILE COTTON SWAB
0
CELL PHONE 1
VOLUNTEER 1
45
CELL PHONE 2
VOLUNTEER 2
13 (1 FUNGI PRESENT)
CELL PHONE 3
VOLUNTEER 3
99
TOOTHBRUSH 1
VOLUNTEER 1
7
TOOTHBRUSH 2
VOLUNTEER 2
0
TOOTHBRUSH 3
VOLUNTEER 3
0
CONTINUED
CONTINUED
KEYBOARD 1
VOLUNTEER 1 LAPTOP
6
KEYBOARD 2
VOLUNTEER 2 LAPTOP
1(STREAK ERROR)
KEYBOARD 3
UNO LAB DESKTOP
DOOR KNOB 1
BIO BUILDING RM 230
0
DOOR KNOB 2
BIO BUILDING RM 217
0
DOOR KNOB 3
BIO BUILDING RM 204
1
TOILET 1
WOMEN'S BATHROOM
1
TOILET 2
WOMEN'S BATHROOM
5
TOILET 3
WOMEN'S BATHROOM
1
138
Data Analysis
Pictures taken of Student preparing material
The two photos above show the three trials of the
control and cell phones. In the cell phone you can see
the different levels of bacteria of each phone.
P2 represents phone number two and this was the only
phone that contain a fungus. K2 is keyboard 2 the is a
streak error caused by too much solution on the swab.
Conclusion
After my experimentation, and reviewing of my result I
concluded the my Hypothesis, that the items that were electronic
and used regularly contain the highest levels of microbial
contamination. My studies indicate that these every day items are
often more filthy than your toilet seat, which only contained a very
small amount of bacteria. This means that even though we may
clean our house religiously, it may be the things we carry with us
that have the highest risk of making us sick. Consider wiping you
computer and cell phones down with antibacterial wipes to avoid the
risks of infections.
Works Cited

MLA

Hartmann, Bernd. "Computer Keyboard and
Mouse as a Resvoir of Pathogens in an
Intensice Care Unit." (2004).