Peripheral intravenous (PIV) cannulation is one of the most common invasive procedures, providing direct access to the bloodstream for fluids, medications, blood products, and nutritional support. It’s also frequently used for blood draws.
Despite how routine it is, IV placement has a high failure rate, up to 35-50%, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The procedures can also be painful, particularly for patients with needle anxiety, which may cause them to move and reduce the chances of a successful first attempt. Providing the patient with a topical anesthetic, like Gebauer's Pain Ease® topical anesthetic skin refrigerant, can help ease discomfort and anxiety, making the process smoother for both patients and healthcare providers.










