title: Helping to alleviate pain for children having venepuncture.
abstract: This article reviews the literature on venepuncture and children. The evidence on the use of topical agents namely tetracaine (amethocaine) gel and lidocaine/prilocaine cream is discussed, along with the use and benefits of distraction techniques and parental presence to make this an easier procedure for the child, their families and the nurse.
authors.affiliation: The National's Children Hospital, County Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Siobhan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gilboy
authors.forename: Eleanor
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hollywood
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D010290:Parents; D018962:Phlebotomy; D012064:Relaxation Therapy
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local