Telemetry leads harbor nosocomial pathogens

Abstract

The healthcare environment is recognized as an increasingly important source of healthcare-associated infection. We undertook a microbiologic survey of patient-ready, cleaned telemetry leads at our institution and recovered pathogenic multidrug resistant bacteria, such as meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus from the leads. Telemetry leads are difficult to clean and disposable leads are preferable.