Background Nosocomial infections caused by multidrug resistant organisms are commonly associated with increased length of hospital stays up to 12-18 days, and cost an estimated $6.7 billion per year. One common mode of transmission is cross-contamination between patients and providers via surface contaminants on devices such as telemetry systems. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a cleaning protocol on colonization of surface contaminants on telemetry systems in four cardiovascular step-down units. A secondary aim was to compare colonization in medical versus surgical units. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional, case-controlled intervention study was designed to evaluate organism colonization on telemetry systems cultured before and after cleaning with sodium hypochlorite wipes. Each randomly selected telemetry system served as its own control. Nurses used a standardized culture technique recommended by infection control. Colonization count pre- and post-intervention was analyzed using McNemar's Test and frequency tables. A standard cost-comparison analysis was conducted. Results Fifty-nine telemetry systems were tested, 30 in medical units and 29 in surgical units. Forty-one (69%) telemetry systems were colonized pre-intervention, and eighteen (24%) post-intervention (p < 0.001). In surgical units surface organisms were present in 14 (35%) cases as compared to 27 (66%) cases in medical units (p < 0.001). The cleaning strategy was cost-effective. Conclusions The number of organisms present on telemetry systems following a standardized cleaning intervention was significantly decreased, and cost comparison analysis supported use of a cleaning strategy for reusable leads as compared to investing in disposable leads.

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