VR goggles could take the ouch out of blood draws for hospitalized children

NCT ID NCT04479735

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Montefiore Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether virtual reality goggles can reduce pain and anxiety during blood draws in hospitalized children aged 5 to 21. Half of the 126 participants received standard care (including numbing cream), while the other half also wore VR goggles before and during the procedure. Researchers measured changes in pain and anxiety scores to see if the goggles helped.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Virtual reality goggles
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to make blood draws less painful and scary for children in hospitals.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study with 126 participants, so results may not apply to all children or settings. The goggles may not work for everyone and could cause discomfort in some cases.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain, Procedural

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PAIN, PROCEDURAL

Contacts and locations

Locations

Montefiore Medical Center

The Bronx, New York, 10467, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.