A gentle touch or sweet pacifier: a new test to soothe newborn pain
NCT ID NCT07788066
First seen Aug 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether two simple, drug-free methods—Yakson touch (a gentle hands-on technique) and a dextrose-sweetened pacifier—can reduce pain in full-term newborns during blood draws. Babies in the neonatal intensive care unit will be randomly assigned to one of these comfort measures or to routine care. Researchers will measure pain scores and behavioral responses before, during, and after the procedure to see which approach works best.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Yakson Touch (a gentle touch therapy) and a dextrose-sweetened pacifier
- What this could lead to
- If effective, these simple, drug-free comfort methods could offer a safe way to ease pain in newborns during routine procedures.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small early trial, so results may not apply broadly. The effect on pain may be modest, and individual responses can vary.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 2 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Term neonates admitted to the NICU. Neonates undergoing clinically indicated phlebotomy. Neonates whose parent or legally authorized representative provides informed consent for participation. Exclusion Criteria: Neonates with conditions that may significantly affect pain assessment or physiological responses during phlebotomy. Neonates receiving analgesic or sedative medications that could influence pain or behavioral responses. Neonates with contraindications to the study interventions. Neonates whose parent or legally authorized representative does not provide consent.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
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