Differences in alarm events between disposable and reusable electrocardiography lead wires.

Background: Disposable electrocardiographic lead wires (ECG-LWs) may not be as durable as reusable ones.

Objective: To examine differences in alarm events between disposable and reusable ECG-LWs.

Method: Two cardiac telemetry units were randomized to reusable ECG-LWs, and 2 units alternated between disposable and reusable ECG-LWs for 4 months.

Infection rates in intensive care units by electrocardiographic lead wire type: disposable vs reusable.

Background: It is unknown if disposable electrocardiographic lead wires (ECG-LWs) reduce infection rates compared with cleaned, reusable lead wires.

Purpose: To compare infection rates in intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving disposable versus reusable ECG-LWs.

Methods: Matched adult ICUs were randomly assigned to disposable or reusable ECG-LWs.