Pain induced by radial artery puncture is not reduced by lidocaine–prilocaine patch

Abstract

We assessed pain induced by radial artery puncture (AP) and its possible relief through topical anesthesia by lidocaine–prilocaine (LP) patch in 103 patients divided into 3 groups: AP was performed without any topical preparation, or after application of a placebo or a LP patch. The AP-induced painful sensation was moderate and not reduced by LP. It did not depend either on patient's sex and anxious state, or on the nurses performing AP. This study demonstrates that AP performed by experienced nurses does not necessitate a previous topical skin anesthesia.