Buzzy bee or cold spray: which eases Kids' IV pain best?
NCT ID NCT06182631
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested two ways to reduce pain when children get an IV in the emergency department: a vibrating device with ice called Buzzy, and a cold spray (vapocoolant). 172 kids who needed an IV were randomly assigned to one of these or a placebo. Researchers measured pain using a faces scale and also asked parents to rate the child's pain. The goal is to find a simple, effective method to make IV insertion less scary and painful for children.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Buzzy device (vibration with ice wings) and vapocoolant spray (ethyl chloride)
- What this could lead to
- If one method proves clearly better, hospitals may adopt it to make IV sticks less painful for children.
- What could go wrong
- This is a single completed trial with 172 children, so results may not apply to all kids or settings. Pain is subjective, and the placebo group also had a band placed, which could reduce differences.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Oshei Childrens Hospital
Buffalo, New York, 14203, United States