Pen Torch Transillumination: Shedding Light on Difficult Venepuncture

This is a prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients with a history of difficult venepuncture who agree to be entered into the study will be randomized into one of 3 groups using a sealed envelope system: 1. Conventional venepuncture (Control Group, n=25); 2. Veinlite® a commercial LED transilluminator device (Experimental Group 1, n=25); 3. Pen torch transillumination (Experimental Group 2, n=25). Hemodynamically unstable patients are excluded. The nurse involved in the care of the patient will attempt venepuncture over the upper limb. A maximum of 4 times attempts is allowed, before escalation to a doctor/phlebotomist.

A standardized venepuncture technique using standardized instruments will be utilized. Veins will be localized using one of the above techniques. Pen torch transillumination and veinlite are non-invasive techniques for locating veins. For pen torch transillumination, the tip of the pen torch is pressed onto the skin, causing the shadow of the vein to show up. Veinlite uses a device that emits red light. Placing it onto the skin will cause the outlines of the veins to show up. Once a suitable vein is localized, a tourniquet is applied (Braun® International, USA). The area of the skin to be cannulated is disinfected with an alcohol wipe (Webcol®, Covidien®, USA). For the setting of IV cannulation, a standardized 23G IV cannula is used (Introcan Safety®, Braun®, USA). Normal saline (PosiFlush® 3ml, BD®, USA) will be used for flushing the cannula after successful cannulation. For blood taking, a syringe (Terumo®, Philippines) ranging from 2ml to 20ml and a 23G needle (Venofix®, Braun®, USA) will be used. All instruments needed for venepuncture, including 4 IV cannula or 4 needles should be by the patient's bedside prior to the start of each venepuncture.

Duration of the procedure will be recorded using a stop watch. This is defined as the time (in minutes) from the start of attempt to localize a vein to its successful cannulation. Successful cannulation is defined either as the ability to flush 2ml of normal saline into the IV cannula or the ability to draw 2ml of blood from the vein.

A post-procedure questionnaire will be filled up by the nurses after attempt at venepuncture (refer to attached file). Outcome data include: number of attempts and duration needed for successful venepuncture. Patient data include: age, sex, race, body-mass index, history of intra-venous drug abuse, and renal function.