BACKGROUND Despite remarkable advances in technology and laboratory automation, results of laboratory testing still suffer from a high degree of preanalytical variability. Although there is no definitive evidence, the use of small-gauge needles for venipuncture is usually discouraged to reduce the chance of producing unsuitable specimens. METHODS The purpose of this investigation was to asses...

BACKGROUND Radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFTA) has recently been introduced for the treatment of painful bone metastases. We report the outcome of one combined protocol session of percutaneous RFTA and cementoplasty on a painful sternal breast cancer metastasis of a 66-year-old patient. PATIENTS AND METHODS A sternal lesion was identified at a repeated CT scan during the oncological follow...

The development of an electrochemically based implantable sensor for glucose is described. The sensor is needle-shaped, about the size of a 28-gauge needle. It is flexible and must be implanted subcutaneously by using a 21-gauge catheter, which is then removed. When combined with a monitoring unit, this device, based on the glucose oxidase-catalyzed oxidation of glucose, reliably monitors gluco...

Nusinersen (ISIS-SMNRx or ISIS 396443) is an antisense oligonucleotide drug administered intrathecally to treat spinal muscular atrophy. We summarize lumbar puncture experience in children with spinal muscular atrophy during a phase 1 open-label study of nusinersen and its extension. During the studies, 73 lumbar punctures were performed in 28 patients 2 to 14 years of age with type 2/3 spinal ...

Using three surveys, a comparative assessment of needle performance and patient preference for 27-gauge (G) and 29G needles for glatiramer acetate administration for multiple sclerosis therapy was performed. Eligible patients participated in a specialty pharmacy program and administered glatiramer acetate for ≥1 month. In Survey 1 on the 27G needle, 545 (82.70%) patients reported no needle prob...

Objective – To measure blood aqueous-barrier breakdown following aqueocentesis using various needle sizes and to monitor the intraocular pressure (IOP) response. Animals – 24 healthy, adult dogs received treatment (24 treated eyes, 24 contralateral eyes); 3 dogs were untreated controls (6 control eyes). Procedures – Dogs receiving treatment were divided into 3 equal groups (25-, 27-, or 30gauge...

A prospective, double-blind, mixed, crossover study was conducted to determine the perception of pain associated with intradermal lidocaine and chloroprocaine for insertion of an 18-gauge intravenous catheter. A convenience sample of 64 healthy, adult volunteers was used. Each participant received an intradermal injection of lidocaine or chloroprocaine on the dorsum of one hand followed by inse...

PURPOSE The purpose of this survey is to evaluate current usage of local and topical anesthesia by Pediatric Dentist to evaluate the current practices. METHODS Surveys were sent to 3051 pediatric dentists asking about types of anesthetics, considerations in determining local anesthetic dosage, time used to inject a cartridge and shortcomings of topical preparations. Data were computed for per...