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An estimated 800,000 accidental needlesticks occur in U.S. healthcare workers annually. In a randomized trial, investigators compared rates of glove perforations (a proxy for needlesticks) when blunt versus sharp needles were used during 194 cesarean-delivery closures. Surgeons and assistants were asked to report needlesticks, and surgical glove perforation was assessed with a water-test method. Infection rates were not tracked; however, a survey was performed to assess satisfaction with blunt or sharp needles.
Likelihood of glove perforation was substantially lower with blunt needles, both for primary surgeons (relative risk, 0.66) and for assistant surgeons (RR, 0.54). Use of blunt needles prevented needlesticks approximately once in every…