Mobile Device Use in Containment Level 2 Laboratories

The use of mobile devices, such as cell phones, in laboratory and healthcare settings has emerged as a concern. In a study conducted at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, approximately 72% (n=109/151) of health science students said they use their phones in hospitals and/or laboratories (Martinez et al., 2017). Furthermore, 52% of students indicated that they have taken pictures in teaching laboratories during the handling of pathogens including Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, despite the biosafety rules in place and warnings from professors and technicians about this hazardous practice. Of the samples cultured from student cell phones, 29 percent were positive for Enterobacteriaceae, and 5 percent for E. coli. While it cannot be determined if the phones were contaminated in the laboratory or other environments, this study demonstrates the ability of mobile devices to act as fomites in the transmission of bacteria. Additionally, the study demonstrates challenges in achieving compliance with cell phone policies, particularly in teaching laboratories.

Various other studies conducted worldwide in healthcare settings and diagnostic laboratories demonstrate the ability of cell phones to act as fomites for bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas spp. (Edrees et Al-Awar, 2020, Alkufeid et al. 2025).

While mobile devices should not be used in the laboratory, prohibiting them may not always be feasible. In case of emergencies for example, personnel may need access to mobile devices while working in the lab.

At Containment Level 2, the Canadian Biosafety Standard, Third Edition requirement 4.4.9 states that personal belongings are to be kept separate from areas where regulated materials are handled or stored. In the explanatory notes, there is a reference to cell phones. The intent of this requirement is to prevent contamination of items removed from the laboratory that may lead to exposure of personnel or the public. In circumstances where access to mobile devices is required, a local risk assessment must be conducted and mitigation measures implemented to meet the intent of the Canadian Biosafety Standard, Third Edition requirement 4.4.9. For additional guidance on conducting a local risk assessment, refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Local Risk Assessment Guideline.

The following are examples of mitigation measures to prevent contamination:

Resealable Bags

         Mobile devices may be placed in resealable bags if they must be used in the laboratory. Exit procedures must include disposing of resealable bags in biohazardous waste or storing them within the containment zone. Reused bags should be surface decontaminated after use to prevent contamination. The integrity of bags should be inspected to identify any rips, punctures or degradation.

Storage Away from Regulated Materials

         Mobile devices may be kept on laboratory personnel (i.e. in pockets of street clothes under a laboratory coat or gown), given they are covered by personal protective equipment and not exposed to regulated materials. They may also be kept in closed containers within the containment zone. Should staff need to use their mobile device in the laboratory, doffing and handwashing procedures must be performed prior to using the device to prevent contamination. Adherence to these procedures may prove challenging, however this practice is acceptable if enforced and followed.

Dedicated Mobile Devices

         When mobile devices are required for taking photos, capturing data, or communication, facilities may consider having dedicated mobile devices available for employees. The risk of contact with the face or mucous membranes with contaminated mobile devices must be considered. Cellular devices should not be placed against the ears or mouth of personnel. Use the speakerphone if or when possible. Should cellular devices need to be removed from the laboratory, they must be surface decontaminated if used in an area where regulated materials are handled.

Demarcation of Areas for Mobile Device Use

         An area designated for mobile device use may be established, similar to the separation of areas for paperwork from where regulated materials are handled (refer to the Canadian Biosafety Standard 4.5.2). This area may be demarcated using tape. Signage may also be used to identify clean areas and include reminders to doff gloves and handwash prior to using mobile devices in these areas.

Failure to meet requirement 4.4.9 of the Canadian Biosafety Standard, or to implement and adhere to mitigation measures for mobile device use in Containment Level 2 laboratories, may lead to compliance and enforcement actions. These actions may include the issuance of a notice of non-compliance, changes to the conditions of a licence, or refusal to renew a licence, in accordance with the Centre for Biosecurity’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy.

References

1. Martínez-Gonzáles, N. E., Solorzano-Ibarra, F., Cabrera-Díaz, E., Gutiérrez-González, P., Martínez-Chávez, L., Pérez-Montaño, J. A., & Martínez-Cárdenas, C. (2017). Microbial contamination on cell phones used by undergraduate students.Canadian Journal of Infection Control/Revue Canadienne de Prévention des Infections,32(4).
2. Edrees, H. W., & Al-Awar, S. M. (2020). Bacterial contamination of mobile phones of medical laboratory workers at Sana’a city, Yemen and their antimicrobial susceptibility.JPPRes,8(6), 591-599.
3. Alkufeid, R. M. S., El-Tayeb, M. A., Alshabanat, S. A. O., Madhi, M. M. T. B., Aldosari, N. S. D., & Alsakabi, N. S. A. (2025). Prevalence of Drug-Resistant Nosocomial Pathogenic Bacterial Strains Isolated from Mobile Phones: A Cross-Sectional Study Between Microbiology Students and Other Disciplines.Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia,22(1), 125-136.