Topical analgesia for pain reduction in arterial puncture

Abstract

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether topical local anaesthetic reduces the pain of arterial puncture. 431 papers were found using the reported search, of which two presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.