Topical lidocaine anesthesia for nasopharyngeal sampling – a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction and aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of topical lidocaine application for nasopharyngeal sampling, on pain perception, the comfort of the patients, and the application difficulty for healthcare staff. Material and methods. This study conducted with 100 healthy volunteers (50 participants in Lidocaine group and 50 participants in Placebo group). Two ml of a solution containing 10 mg/ml of lidocaine was applied to each nostril of the participants in the Lidocaine group, and the same dose of 0.9% NaCl to the Placebo group. We compared the changes in pain intensity and discomfort intensity using two numerical rating scales, the frequency of undesirable reactions, and the judgment of the practitioner staff. Results. There were statistically significant decreases in pain and discomfort scores in the Lidocaine group. Similarly, there were statistically significant decreases in the frequency of all undesirable reactions except “grimace”, in the second sampling in the Lidocaine group, however, there was a statistically significant decrease only in “holding staff’s hand” in second sampling in the Placebo group. Conclusion. Intranasal lidocaine application reduces the pain that occurs during nasopharyngeal sampling and makes the procedure easier for the patient and the healthcare worker.