Warming lignocaine to reduce pain associated with injection.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of warming lignocaine on the pain associated with subcutaneous injection.


METHODS
Double blind, randomised, crossover study.


METHODS
Hospital clinic.


METHODS
40 healthy volunteers.


METHODS
Subcutaneous injection with 1 ml of 1% lignocaine at 20 degrees C and 1 ml of 1% lignocaine at 37 degrees C.


METHODS
Pain assessed by linear analogue pain scores and subjects' comparison of pain on injection.


RESULTS
25 subjects (89%; 95% confidence interval 72% to 98%) thought that lignocaine at 20 degrees C was more painful and 3 (11%; 2% to 28%) thought that lignocaine at 37 degrees C was more painful (p < 0.0001); 12 subjects did not express a difference. Median pain score for injection at 20 degrees C was 11.00 and at 37 degrees C was 3.25 (p < 0.001). Median difference was 8.25 (4.00 to 13.50).


CONCLUSIONS
The simple procedure of warming to 37 degrees C reduced the pain associated with subcutaneous injection of lignocaine.
Davidson
J A
JA
Department of Anaesthesia, Western Infirmary, Glasgow.
Boom
S J
SJ
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous / Q000009:adverse effects; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement
D008012:Lidocaine