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.