Subcutaneous versus intracutaneous injections of sterile water for labour analgesia: a comparison of perceived pain during administration.

Abstract

To investigate whether, during injections of sterile water, there is any difference in perceived pain between intracutaneous and subcutaneous injections. Blind controlled trial with cross-over design. Göteborg and Skövde, Sweden. One hundred healthy female volunteers. The women were randomised into two groups and subjected to two trials, within one week of each other. During the first trial one group (n = 50) received the intracutaneous injection first, followed by the subcutaneous injection. The second group (n = 50) was given the subcutaneous injection first, followed by intracutaneous injection. In both groups all the injections were given in reverse order during the second trial. Experienced pain during the administration of sterile water injections, measured by visual analogue scale. The analysis showed intracutaneous injections to be significantly more painful than subcutaneous injections, even after adjusting for injection day and for left/right site of injection (mean 60.8 vs 41.3, P < 0.001). The findings suggest that the less painful subcutaneous injection technique should be used.