Healthcare Matters

Sometimes the simplest of thoughts are the most profound. Well, maybe “profound” isn’t the best adjective in this case, but Seal Shields’ innovation –waterproofing key boards and other touch screen computing devices so they can be washed/disinfected— is a humdinger of a good idea. Period.

Hospital acquired infections (HAI) remain a huge problem. Yes, many steps over the last several years have been taken to address the issue –a smart combination of grass roots level awareness/effort and various new antimicrobial technologies aimed at stemming the tide— yet a solution for waterproofing and sanitizing the latest and greatest smart devices seems ridiculously overdue.

Seal Shield talks about “breaking the infection chain.” But for me, the company’s announcement today –that it now has waterproofing/disinfecting solutions for pretty much the entire iPhone and iPad line of products– carries far more practical application. Not that going swimming and going to perform a surgical procedure should carry similar significance, but then, that’s the beauty of “one size fits all.”

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Seal Shield LLC today announced delivery of the world’s first iPad waterproofing solution for healthcare. SEAL SHIELDS™ are form-fitting, polyurethane covers that make iPhones and iPads 100% waterproof, washable and disinfectable. SEAL SHIELDS™ have been developed for the healthcare market to help reduce the spread of infections.  Touch screen devices are increasingly prevalent in hospitals, but have been found to pose a cross contamination infection risk for patients and practitioners.

According to University of North Carolina professor, Dr. William Rutala, “There is increasing evidence to support the contribution of the environment to disease transmission, and that we pick up pathogens at the same level by touching the environment as we do by touching the patient.”

“Our healthcare customers are using more touch screen devices and they are demanding solutions which not only protect those products from scratches, but also from harmful bacteria and viruses,” states Seal Shield CEO, Bradley Whitchurch.  “SEAL SHIELDS™ allow practitioners to wash and disinfect their touch screen devices, protecting the healthcare workers and their patients from infection.”

SEAL SHIELDS™ are form-fitting skins that make iPhones and iPads 100% waterproof, washable and disinfectable.  SEAL SHIELDS™ tightly wrap an iPhone or iPad in a protective shield, making the device impervious to contamination.  Unlike bulky cases, SEAL SHIELDS™ are completely invisible, preserving the original Apple design.  Developed to help prevent infections in healthcare, SEAL SHIELDS™ are also the best solution for active lifestyles.

Seal Shield LLC designs, develops and manufactures medical grade, infection prevention technology for hospitals and the home.  Seal Shield is a world leader in infection control products.

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At $20 a pop for most devices, well, who knew?

—Tom Finn