The Impact of Blood Sampling Site on Pain Score in Preterm Infants: A Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background Blood sampling is a usual and painful procedure on preterm infant. Repeating painful procedures may affect the process of normal brain development and Pain management is important for nurses. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare pain score in two sites of blood sampling in preterm infants. Materials and Methods Blood sampling is a usual and painful procedure on preterm infant. Repeating painful procedures may affect the process of normal brain development and Pain management is important for nurses. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare pain score in two sites of blood sampling in preterm infants. Results The pain score was significantly higher while sampling was conducted from hand veins compared to scalp veins (p=0.001). The pain score was significantly higher in preterm infants with lower gestational age (28-30 weeks) than the infants with 30-32 weeks of gestation (p=0.048). Conclusion The pain score in preterm infants according to ALPS-Neo method was significantly higher while sampling was conducted from hand veins compared to scalp veins. Preterm infants with lower gestational age had also higher pain score.