Effect of glyceryl trinitrate and ice on dilation of hand veins.
Application of glyceryl trinitrate to a finger produced significant dilation of superficial hand veins. Gently rubbing ice over these veins for one minute slightly reduced this dilation, whereas rubbing ice over veins without glyceryl trinitrate caused significant venoconstriction. These results indicate that application of glyceryl trinitrate followed by local cooling may provide a simple and painless means of assisting venepuncture.
Williams
S
S
Department of Surgery, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London.
Hecker
J F
JF
D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D007053:Ice; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014661:Vasoconstriction; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects*; D014680:Veins / Q000187:drug effects
D007053:Ice; D005996:Nitroglycerin