Comparison of ethyl chloride spray with topical anaesthetic in children experiencing venepuncture.

AIM: Initial validation of ethyl chloride spray in minimising pain for children experiencing venepuncture in comparison to Ametop cream.

DESIGN: A randomised non-inferiority cross-over trial comparing ethyl chloride with Ametop in 77 children aged five to 13 years undergoing measurement of glomerular filtration rate. Additional data were gathered on the child's preferred choice for the third venepuncture.

RESULTS: Ethyl chloride spray is of equal preference to Ametop in children experiencing venepuncture, with lower self-reported pain score. It should be considered as an added alternative option to topical anaesthetic but further work is needed to clarify application technique.