[Skillfulness is essential to improve venipuncture pain in combination with lidocaine containing adhesive tape]

We evaluated the effect of lidocaine containing adhesive tape (LT) on the venipuncture pain by using visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients were assigned prospectively to a control (65 cases) group and a LT (80 cases) group weekly. LT was applied 30 min before the scheduled entry into the operating room. A 20 gauge polyurethane venous catheter (Insyte; Becton-Dickinson) was punctured randomly by either experts (board certified anesthesiologists) or by novice staffs. VAS on venous puncture was significantly better by the experts; median of VAS by experts in control and LT groups were 48.5 and 26.5, while VAS by novice staff in control and LT group were 49.5 and 52.0, respectively. Smooth venipuncture was performed in 91% of those in expert group. However only 71% of venipuncture was done smoothly in the novice group. We conclude that skillful venipuncture in combination with LT is essential to reduce the venipuncture pain.