Ice and distraction: a simple recipe to take the sting out of blood draws

NCT ID NCT06661187

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether using ice packs and simple psychological tricks—like music, visual distraction, and breathing exercises—can reduce pain and anxiety during arterial punctures in critically ill patients. 120 adults who were awake and needed the procedure took part. The goal was to see if these easy, low-cost methods could make a common but uncomfortable procedure more tolerable.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

cryoanalgesia (ice pack) and psychological instructions (verbal cues, music, visual distraction, breathing exercises)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to make arterial punctures less painful and anxiety-provoking for critically ill patients.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with 120 patients, so results may not apply to all settings. The interventions are very simple and may not work for everyone.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Damanhour university

    Damanhūr, Egypt

  • Faculty Of Nursing

    Damanhūr, Egypt