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Health care professionals are increasingly using computers in the OR to view, update, document, and store patient information, including x-rays and other scans or laboratory results that could affect the course of surgery. Most people are familiar with a traditional mouse and keyboard method of using a computer; however, these computer accessories were not designed specically for use in the OR, and data suggest that pathogens can be transferred to and survive on keyboards.To address this problem, some health care professionals are turning to alternative computer methods such as tablets and smartphones, which have touch screens that can be cleaned more readily or which can be used while placed in a sterile plastic bag. Soon, they may even be able to use hands-free technology, such as Microsofts KinectTM for the Xbox 360 video game system.