Study of Ice Application to Reduce Pain From Arterial Punctures

Cryoanalgesia (Ice Pack) to Reduce the Pain Associated With Arterial Blood Gas Puncture

This study seeks to determine if cryoanalgesia in the form of ice application could be an effective analgesic when applied before arterial puncture.

Inclusion Criteria:

• subjects ≥ 18 years old referred to the pulmonary function laboratory with a physician order for an arterial blood gas test were sought to complete the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• cold, bluish hands and fingers
• diagnosis of Raynaud's syndrome or scleroderma/CREST syndrome
• history or signs of dementia, confusion, or cognitive impairment
• blindness
• patients not fluent in the English language
• non-palpable radial pulse in the wrist (necessitating brachial puncture)