I don't see the problem.
Whenever I lose a needle, papertag, screw or anything with a sharp point on it, I just take off my shoes and socks, turn out the lights and in a few seconds I step in/on it. It's so easy.
So it shouldn't be that hard to find a needle in a haystack. Just close your eyes, take off your shoes and socks, walk around, and you'll find the needle and with a little luck some needles someone else has lost.