Biometric sensors no dirtier than doorknobs, study finds

Blomeke said that since naturally occurring organisms live on our skin at all times, as well as on frequently touched common surfaces, the fact that some bacteria live on biometric devices shouldn't deter people from using them.

"Biometric devices are the way of the future, and their use is growing rapidly," she said. "In years to come, nearly everyone may be required to use the devices to enter buildings, pay for services or even clock in and out at work. Since there is the perception that these devices may cause illness, our study is important in that it at least establishes that a person is not any more likely to become ill from a biometric device that from a plain, old-fashioned doorknob."

Blomeke said hygienic concerns - whether on high-tech or low-tech surfaces or devices - can easily be alleviated.

"It's always a good idea to get in the practice of washing your hands with soap and water or keeping antibacterial solution handy," she said.

The Biometric Standards, Performance and Assurance Laboratory is housed in the Department of Industrial Technology in Purdue's College of Technology. In the lab, researchers and students test and evaluate equipment for iris, vein, hand, fingerprint, signature, keystroke and face recognition. In addition, courses in automatic identification, data capture, and biometric technology and applications are taught in the lab.

Writer: Kim Medaris, 765-494-6998,

Sources: Christine R. Blomeke, 765-496-2474,

Stephen J. Elliott, 765-496-2474,

Thomas M. Walter, 765-494-7061,

Related Web site: Biometric Standards, Performance and Assurance Laboratory: http://www.biotown.purdue.edu/

PHOTO CAPTION:

Researchers at Purdue's Biometric Standards, Performance and Assurance Laboratory test bacteria from a vein-recognition reader, a biometric device that can authenticate a person's identity. Researchers have found that although the surfaces of some biometric devices may look more unsanitary due to visible dirt and prints, they harbor about the same amount of bacteria as a typical doorknob. (Purdue University photo)

A publication-quality photo is available at http://news.uns.purdue.edu/images/+2007/biometric-recognition.jpg

Abstract on the research in this release is available at: http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2007b/071010ElliottGerms.html