The molecular analysis approach provides strong evidence that bacterial flora in the reservoir of the nose is highly likely to be shared with the lanyard loosely suspended beneath it. Furthermore, the poor standard of hygiene of lanyards shown reflects a substantially enhanced risk of bacterial transmission.

Are lanyards an infection risk?

Another study with 108 healthcare workers found that 87% of lanyards cultured primarily skin flora, but 6% grew pathogenic and faecal bacteria. [3] As a bacterial reservoir, lanyards could pose a threat to other measures of infection control, providing a source for clean hands and equipment to be re-contaminated.

What's hanging around your neck pathogenic bacteria on identity badges & lanyards?

Analysing lanyards and badges as a combined group, seven had methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, 29 had methicillin-sensitive S. ... Conclusion: Identity badges and lanyards worn by HCWs may be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, which could be transmitted to patients.