The Effects of Injection Site Cooling and Solution Buffering on Perceived Pain During Local Anesthesia Administration

The Effects of Injection Site Cooling and Solution Buffering on Perceived Pain During Local Anesthesia Administration

Participants will have local anesthesia administered to the palmar aspect of both forearms using 4 different injection methods in order to determine which method provides the best results in terms of perceived pain, overall comfort, and participant preference. Injection site cooling and solution buffering using a 3:1 ratio will be compared to the current standard, no injection site cooling and 9:1 solution buffering.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
• Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures
• Any gender, aged 21 - 65
• In good general health with no peripheral neuropathy or disorders that may produce peripheral neuropathy such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
• Healthy intact skin on the palmar aspect of both left and right forearms
• Fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current use of any medication
• Pregnancy
• Known allergic reactions to components of the local anesthetic such as sulfites
• History of vasovagal response to venipuncture or vaccination
• History of trauma to the forearms i.e., bone breaks, burns, deep lacerations
• Decreased sensation to the palmar aspect of either forearm