SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vioguard™LLC (www.vioguard.com) today announced the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has cleared the company’s first product, the Vioguard self-sanitizing computer keyboard, for use in healthcare settings. The product is the first FDA-cleared computer keyboard to use the germicidal properties of ultraviolet light (UV-C) to automatically clean its surfaces. UV-C is a proven killer of flu, MRSA, and other harmful viruses and germs.
Vioguard’s keyboard was developed specifically to address the need for continual disinfection efforts in the medical workplace. The Vioguard keyboard is the first computer peripheral that directly deals with the issue of cross-contamination among shared workstations, by automatically destroying deadly microorganisms such as MRSA.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) impact over 1.7 million patients in the U.S. each year. Similar infections are also on the rise in community settings: a CDC prospective study in 2003 suggested that 12% of clinical MRSA infections are community-associated.
“We're very pleased with the FDA clearance, which substantiates our medical claims and allows hospitals and clinics to make use of this new tool,” said Larry Ranta, president and CEO of Vioguard. "Conventional computer keyboards have been identified as a key point of transmission of viruses and bacteria, especially within the medical setting. The Vioguard keyboard takes the guesswork out of sanitization efforts, reduces labor costs, and helps fight the spread of harmful and often deadly superbugs."
Vioguard's FDA clearance is the latest in a series of announcements from the company. A clinical trial proving the keyboard's efficacy was recently published in the American Journal of Infection Control, and Vioguard's patent was awarded in December.
About UV-C light:
Since the early 20th century, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation has been studied and used for the sterilization of microorganisms. Microbes are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of UV light at specific wavelengths that contain just the right amount of energy to break down organic molecular bonds.
Based on independent laboratory testing, Vioguard has shown that the ultraviolet light generated by the keyboard's two 25-watt germicidal fluorescent lamps killed a minimum of 99.99% of harmful bacteria and viruses, including E. coli, MRSA, and other pathogens.
How it works:
Vioguard’s self-sanitizing keyboard has the look and feel of a standard notebook keyboard, and requires no software or special hardware to function. A powerful microprocessor controls UV exposure, operation of the sensor, and monitors safety interlock switches and lamp status.
On a user-triggered or predetermined basis, the keyboard automatically retracts into its own clean, light-tight enclosure. The keyboard is then safely flooded with high power germicidal UV light. By waving a hand within inches of a built-in motion sensor, the motorized keyboard drawer quietly opens and presents a completely sanitized keyboard and touchpad.
About Vioguard:
Vioguard is a company committed to developing innovative products that help organizations stop the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. Their first product, the Vioguard Self-Sanitizing Keyboard, uses the germicidal properties of ultraviolet light (UV-C) to automatically disinfect the keyboard and touchpad surface after every use.
Vioguard is currently seeking qualified partners to help bring the product to market. Contact Larry Ranta, larryr@vioguard.com for more information.