The Effect of Lidocaine Delivered by Jet Injection on First Attempt Venous Access Success Rates in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Abstract

Background: Jet injection of 1% lidocaine (J-Tip) has been used in the pediatric emergency department (PED) to reduce pain associated with venipuncture, but there are limited data on the effect of J-Tip on first-attempt venous access success rates. We sought to determine if using a J-Tip altered the first-attempt venous access success rate in the PED. Then, we examined the effect of J-Tip use on pain scores and resource utilization during peripheral venous access.

Methods: We prospectively evaluated children over 6 months of age who required peripheral venous access in the PED. The exposure group received 0.25 mL of 1% buffered lidocaine via jet injection 90 seconds before peripheral venous access. The control group received no local anesthesia. Parent and nurse surveys were completed during the visit.

Results: There was no difference in first attempt success rate between the exposure (n = 136) and control (n = 90) groups (87% vs 88%, P = 0.82). J-Tip use was associated with improved pain scores based on child report (median 1 vs 3; P < 0.001), parent report (median 1 vs 3; P < 0.001), and nurse assessment (median 0 vs 3; P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Use of J-Tip in the PED to reduce pain associated with peripheral venous access did not lead to a reduction in first-attempt success rates for peripheral venous access. J-Tip was well received among nurses and parents and was associated with improved pain scores.