Acta paediatrica
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Alleviation of the pain of venepuncture in neonates.
A recent study has shown venepuncture to be more effective and less painful than heel-lancing when a single blood test is performed in neonates [Larsson, Pediatrics (in press)]. The aim of the present study was to investigate the value of EMLA applied on the dorsum of the hand when sampling blood in neonates. ⋯ In comparison with a placebo, EMLA significantly reduces the pain caused by venepuncture on the dorsum of the hand and does not complicate puncture of the vein.