Reduced PPE for Ultrasound-Guided Paracentesis Does Not Increase Infection Risk

In a single-center retrospective study of 1,177 paracenteses, limiting PPE to sterile gloves alone did not raise post-procedure infection at 7d (1.1% vs 0.9%, p=0.41) or 14d (1.5% vs 1.8%, p=0.65).

• Single-center, retrospective cohort of 1,177 consecutive ultrasound-guided paracenteses (619 full PPE vs. 558 sterile-gloves-only after policy change).
• 14-day infection rates were similar: 1.5% (full PPE) vs. 1.8% (sterile gloves only), p=0.65; median volume removed also comparable (3.2L vs. 3.0L).
• Key limitation: retrospective, non-randomized design; potential for confounding and selection bias. Single-center data may limit generalizability.

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