Vioguard announced the world’s first self-sanitizing computer keyboard to kill MRSA and other healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) at the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 91st meeting in Toronto, Canada.

The Vioguard keyboard UVKB50 Keyboard uses ultraviolet light to clean its surface, which is known to be affective against harmful microorganisms such as H1N1 flu, MRSA and molds. Based on independent laboratory testing, the ultraviolet light generated by the unit’s two powerful 25-watt germicidal fluorescent lamps killed more than 99.99% of harmful bacteria and viruses, including MRSA and flu, in less than 90 seconds. It has the feel of a standard notebook keyboard, and requires no software or special hardware to function. On a user-triggered or pre-determined basis, the Vioguard keyboard automatically retracts into its own clean, “light tight” enclosure and safely floods the keyboard with ultraviolet light to disinfect keyboard surfaces. The Vioguard UVKB50 is currently available through Amazon for an estimated retail price of $899 US.