Bacterial contamination on mobile phones in the theatre area of a large veterinary hospital

Bacterial contamination of mobile phones was common, with veterinarians having a significantly higher incidence compared to nurses. Gram-positive cocci were most common, but Gram-positive coccobacilli, Gram-positive rods and Gram-negative rods were also present. Mobile phone hygiene could be usefully included in infection control guidelines as they are potential fomites for healthcare-associated infections.