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Does amethocaine gel influence blood results obtained from capillary sampling?
Noelle Llewellyn1, Andrew Liley, Jayne Cropper
1Acute Pain Service, Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Trust.
Paediatric Nursing
|August 3, 2006
Summary
Topical amethocaine gel (Ametop) significantly alters sodium and potassium levels in capillary blood samples. This topical anesthetic is not recommended for pain relief before capillary blood collection due to sample interference.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pain Management
- Clinical Chemistry
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Capillary blood sampling in children often causes significant pain and distress.
- Topical anesthetics are considered for pain reduction during these procedures.
- Potential impact of anesthetics on sample integrity requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of a topical local anesthetic on biochemical test values from capillary blood samples.
- To determine if amethocaine gel (Ametop) interferes with common blood test results.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary study involving 22 healthy adult volunteers.
- Amethocaine gel (Ametop) applied to one digit, with the contralateral digit serving as control.
- Capillary blood samples analyzed for sodium, potassium, glucose, urea, ALP, AST, ALT, and bilirubin.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher sodium and potassium levels observed in samples from Ametop-treated digits.
- Significantly lower alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in samples from Ametop-treated digits.
- No significant changes noted for glucose, urea, AST, ALT, or bilirubin.
Conclusions:
- Amethocaine gel (Ametop) significantly affects sodium and potassium concentrations in capillary blood.
- The use of Ametop prior to capillary sampling is not recommended due to interference with test results.
- Further research may be needed to identify suitable topical anesthetics for capillary sampling.
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