Optimal Lidocaine Buffering to Reduce Injection Pain in Local Anesthesia

Optimal Lidocaine Buffering to Reduce Injection Pain in Local Anesthesia

The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal amount of lidocaine buffering needed to decrease injection pain when administering local anesthesia.

Once the site is chosen, the skin will be anesthetized as usual. This study will utilize a commercially prepared 1% lidocaine solution mixed with standard sodium bicarbonate. A total of 10 mL will be used.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adults presenting for routine thyroid biopsy, paracentesis or thoracentesis in interventional radiology

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients requiring sedation
• Patients with altered mental status
• Children
• Patients allergic to lidocaine or sodium bicarbonate