EFFECT OF APPLICATION OF WRAPAROUND CLING FILM ON THE REDUCTION OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF MOBILE PHONES IN THE DENTAL OPERATORY-A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION

Aim:To evaluate and compare the microbial contamination of mobile phones with or without a wraparound mobile phone cover. Material And Methods:34 dentists were included in the study and they were divided into 2 groups of 17 participants(group A and group B). Swabs were collected from the mobile phones of each participant as they reached the college, using a sterile swab impregnated with normal saline, aseptically. The mobile phones of all the participants were then disinfected.The phones of participants in group A were then covered using a wraparound cling film,whereas the phones of participants in group B were uncovered.By evening, samples were collected from each participantÂ'sphones.The samples were transported immediately to the microbiological laboratory for culture and identification of microorganisms.The swabs were streaked onto blood agar,McConkey agar, Sabouraud dextrose agar,the plates were then incubated at 37oC for 48 hours.Isolated microorganisms were identified using Gram stain, morphology, catalase and coagulase reaction. Results: Statistical analysis was donewith, Mann Whitneytest, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test,SPSS software. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in microbial growth in Group A as compared to that of group B for samples collected in the evening. Clinical Significance: Preventing cross infection. Conclusion: Mobile phones disinfected and covered with a wraparound cling film showed significant reduction in microbial growth indicating its use in the prevention of cross infection.