Seal Shield & rf IDEAS: A Game-Changer for Secure and Hygienic Healthcare Access
Keyboards in healthcare settings are far dirtier than most people realize. Research from the University of Arizona found that the average desktop has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. That’s a disturbing statistic, especially in hospitals where hygiene is critical. Seal Shield and rf IDEAS joined forces to bring you a washable keyboard with a built-in mount and smart card reader solution so you can maintain clean and secure healthcare access.
In this article, we will cover:
- Hidden dangers of hospital keyboards
- Why organizations need keyboards with a built-in card reader
- 4 key benefits of the Cleanwipe Pro keyboard with a rf IDEAS WAVE ID® card reader
The Cleanwipe Pro: Hygiene Meets Security
Regular disinfection and hand hygiene are crucial, but they aren’t always enough. That’s why hospitals need washable, waterproof keyboards designed for medical environments. Seal Shield’s Cleanwipe Pro is a fully washable and waterproof keyboard compatible with medical-grade disinfectants, helping to create a cleaner environment.
However, hygiene isn’t the only concern. Healthcare facilities handle critical patient data. Unauthorized access to electronic health records (EHRs) can lead to security breaches, data theft, and compliance violations. The Seal Shield and rf IDEAS bundle integrates a smart card reader mount built into the Cleanwipe Pro keyboard, allowing healthcare workers to safely access systems without compromising cleanliness or taking risks that come with using Velcro™.
4 Key Benefits of a Keyboard With Smart Card Reader
By combining security authentication with infection control, the Cleanwipe Pro provides healthcare professionals with a reliable solution for both safety and data protection.
With the built-in card reader mount and WAVE ID® card reader technology from rf IDEAS, you have access to four key benefits, including:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Grant only authorized personnel the ability to access sensitive systems like EHRs.
- Single Sign-On (SSO) Compatibility: Simplify the login process by accessing multiple systems with a single authentication step.
- Passwordless Authentication: Eliminate traditional passwords and reduce the risk of phishing attacks and password-related breaches.
- Passkey Management: An additional add-on, the rf IDEAS ConvergeID software can change credentials into FIDO2 passkeys.
The Hidden Dangers of Hospital Keyboards
When researchers conducted a study at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, they discovered that drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE can survive on keyboards for up to 24 hours. With healthcare professionals frequently using the same computers, bacteria can spread easily to hands and medical equipment. This poses a major infection control risk in hospitals, where compromised immune systems make patients even more vulnerable to bacterial infections. If these bacteria transfer from a keyboard to a healthcare worker’s hands, they can be spread to those vulnerable patients. Out of “687,000 HAIs in U.S. acute care hospitals…about 72,000 hospital patients with HAIs died during their hospitalizations,” as reported by the CDC.
Even simple solutions like Velcro, often used to attach loose objects such as smart card readers, can become a hygiene risk. Over time, Velcro’s tiny hooks and loops collect dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants. When providing guidance for infection prevention, The Joint Commission recommended minimal use of Velcro when possible. Instead of relying on Velcro for keyboard attachments, the Cleanwipe Pro’s built-in card reader mount provides a cleaner, more secure alternative. The reader is attached using two industrial-grade magnets for a firm hold without compromising cleanliness.
A Smarter, Safer Future for Healthcare
Hospitals can’t afford to compromise on hygiene or security. The built-in mount, rf IDEAS’ WAVE ID® card reader, and Seal Shield’s Cleanwipe Pro keyboard directly address the challenges healthcare professionals face. A fully washable design combined with secure authentication features, this ergonomic keyboard bundle is designed to help reduce the spread of harmful bacteria and reinforce data security. Additionally, the keyboard’s low-profile layout ensures that staff can use it comfortably without disrupting workflow.
Seal Shield offers a range of medical-grade keyboards including full-size wireless keyboards and other solutions tailored to healthcare hygiene and security needs. Don’t compromise on patient safety or data protection. Order the Cleanwipe Pro with card reader mount and rf IDEAS’ WAVE ID® card reader today and create cleaner, more secure Workstation on Wheels (WOWs).