Use of a biopsy forceps with and without needle

Prospective, randomized, pathologist-blinded study of disposable alligator-jaw biopsy forceps for gastric mucosal biopsy

“…The only design feature that could promote cross contamination of health care workers is the presence of the needle which provides a sharp surface that could transmit patient material to endoscopy staff or those responsible for disposal of the used forceps. Needles have also been reported to puncture the biopsy channel (12) but that possibility appears remote with disposable forceps as it requires the presence of a bent needle. Studies by Yang el al., Deprez et al, Rizzo et al and Kozarek et al focused on costs (11,13–15) which was not considered here.…”