Watch wristbands had higher median colony-forming units than watch faces. Most identified bacterial species were associated with greater risk of infections in immunosuppressed patients. Contamination from the watch to the outside of gloves was detected in 4 of 7 participants performing the standard hygiene protocol.
Clinical Pearls
This cross-sectional study investigated the microbial content on smart watches and potential transfer of microbes with the use of smart watches in the setting of dermatologic surgery
17 participants who wore smart watches were included within the study. 10 had their watch face and wristband swabbed while 7 performed a standard hand hygiene protocol including donning gloves
Watch wristbands had higher median colony-forming units than watch faces. Most identified bacterial species were associated with greater risk of infections in immunosuppressed patients. Contamination from the watch to the outside of gloves was detected in 4 of 7 participants performing the standard hygiene protocol
Discussion:
Hygiene and sterile practices are imperative in dermatologic surgery. This cross-sectional study by Ouyang et. al investigated if the use of smart watches compromises hygiene and safety measures in dermatologic surgery. This was done by quantifying and identifying bacteria colony-forming units (CFUs) on smart watches worn by dermatology medical staff.
17 participants were included within this study with 10 completing the first phase and 7 completing the second phase. The first phase involved swabbing of each smart watch’s face and wristband with samples subsequently incubated on tryptic soy agar – blood agar plates. Using 16s rRNA sequencing, microbes were detected on all smart watches with wristbands having a higher median colony forming units (n-24.5) when compared to watch faces (n=1.5). Of note, most identified bacterial species were associated with increased risk of infections in immunosuppressed patients. The second phase involved participants performing hygiene and aseptic techniques with an identifiable gel placed upon their smart watches. This gel was detected on the outside of 4 out of 7 participant’s gloves. Overall, this study provides valuable insight into how smart watches may compromise hygiene and safety in dermatologic surgery.
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