How to Clean Keyboards in the Operating Room

Hospitals and surgical clinics have protocols in place that establish the proper cleaning regimes for keyboards. Keyboards are common operating room fixtures that are connected to COWs, computers on wheels, and other monitoring equipment. Keyboards in the OR are usually covered with fitted, soft plastic covers to avoid damaging and contaminating the keys during surgery. Various nurses and technicians touch them during the course of an operation. Covers are disinfected after every use but the protected underlying keyboards generally only require cleaning when a tear occurs.

Things You'll Need

• EPA-approved hospital disinfectant
• Lint-free cleaning cloths
• Bucket

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Instructions

• 1

  Put on protective gloves and mask and prepare a bucket of cleaning solution. Use a disinfectant cleaning liquid that is approved for equipment use in the operating room suite.

• 2

  Disconnect the keyboard from the attached monitoring equipment. Make sure that you are disconnecting the correct cord. Pay special attention to the location of the keyboard plug on the equipment so you can properly reconnect it after cleaning.

• 3

  Use a clean lint-free cloth and dip it into the bucket of cleaning solution. Wring it out until nearly dry. Wipe down the connecting cord. Make sure to clean the entire length of the cord, whether the cord is straight or coiled. If blood is visible, rub it off. Rinse the cloth off in the bucket and repeat.

• 4

  Wipe down the surface and sides of the plastic keyboard cover. Rub off any visible blood.

• 5

  Remove the keyboard cover from the keyboard if blood or liquid is apparent underneath it. Inspect the cover, noting any holes or tears in the cover. Wet the cleaning cloth with solution and thoroughly wipe down the surfaces on the top and bottom. Determine if liquid can enter through a hole or tear in the plastic cover and replace it if necessary. Thoroughly dry the cover with a clean, dry cloth. Set it aside to air dry for up to 15 minutes.

• 6

  Wet and then completely wring out the cleaning cloth and use the disinfectant on the keyboard keys and surface. Remove any visible blood by rubbing. Start at the top left corner of the keyboard and methodically wipe down each key and the remaining surface areas. Repeat cleaning the keyboard. Allow to air dry for up to 15 minutes.

• 7

  Replace the keyboard cover or put a new one on and attach the plug to the appropriate equipment.