Efficacy of a novel ultraviolet light-emitting diode device for decontamination of shared pens in a health care setting.

Shared pens and styluses are a potential source for transmission of health care-associated pathogens and respiratory viruses in health care facilities. A novel ultraviolet light-emitting diode device was effective in reducing bacteria and viruses inoculated on pens and in reducing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus transferred to pens by colonized patients. The device could be useful in reducing the risk of transmission of pathogens by shared writing utensils.