Self-Sanitizing Keyboard Receives FDA Approval, Clinical Study Skepticism (+Video)

[beer]

Vioguard's self-sanitizing keyboard may have received FDA approval, but a study has found that it may not be as effective as Vioguard claims

Computer keyboards are undoubtedly some of the most germ-filled objects we touch on a daily basis. Vioguard, a Washington State-based company that creates products with infection control, aims to solve the dilemma with a self-sanitizing keyboard. The FDA recently approved the keyboard, but studies indicate that it may not be as effective as previously thought.

The Vioguard Self-Sanitizing Keyboard rids itself of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens through the use of germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C), which kills harmful microorgranisms in seconds. The keyboard is stored in a mechanized enclosure, which can also be a monitor stand, when it is not being used.

Once the user needs it, they wave their hand in front of the infrared motion sensor and the keyboard automatically pops out of the enclosure. Once the keyboard is no longer needed, it retracts back into the enclosure where UV-C light of two 24-watt fluorescent lamps are activated.

Vioguard, which claims that its cleanly device kills 99.9 percent of germs, announced that it received FDA approval for the keyboard this week. However, some are questioning this move when a clinical study found that the keyboard was only 67 percent effective last year.

The study, which was published in the American Journal of Infection Control in June 2011, found that the keyboard certainly wasn't 99.9 percent effective at killing germs, but only 67 percent effective. It added that users would still have to clean the keyboard by hand.

Despite this finding, the FDA went ahead with the approval and Vioguard is selling the $900 device to some of the germiest places known -- hospitals.

IT World suggests a few alternatives to the expensive (and not entirely effective) Vioguard keyboard, such as waterproof keyboards that can be drenched in antiseptic sprays or even soap and water. There are also other UV light options, but it's unclear if they're any more effective than Vioguard's keyboard.

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I am guessing it probably failed the semen test during clinical trials, while FDA considers it to be edible goods.

:cheers:

[Alanon]

900 bucks????

Round these parts, you can get a kick-ass machine for that kind of money. O.o

[LeetPirate]

I could buy enough lysol to last 90 years instead of wasting money on this rubbish.

[myidisbb]

lolo agree l p

[beer]

lolo agree l p

Which part?

failing the semen test part or the FDA approval being edible part?

:lmao:

[HATE9X]

900 bucks... Might as well buy a new cheap keyboard everyday. :mellow:

*altho, obviously it's targeted at hospitals, labs and whatnot, but if it doesn't necessarily even work... <_<

[myidisbb]

wonder how much the fda test cost

[beer]

wonder how much the fda test cost

That shouldn't be too hard to find out, just check your credit card statements :lol:

[myidisbb]

i keep a balance :P only debt i got is property rentals:P

[hellohello]

I could buy enough lysol to last 90 years instead of wasting money on this rubbish.

That's funny but I agreed :)