Cutaneous histologic artifact associated with the use of a needle-free anesthesia device for skin biopsy

Jessica A Smith; Cathryn Z Zhang; Reena Rupani; Fangru Lian

doi:10.1111/pde.12047

Cutaneous histologic artifact associated with the use of a needle-free anesthesia device for skin biopsy

Pediatr Dermatol. 2013 Sep-Oct;30(5):e94-5. doi: 10.1111/pde.12047. Epub 2013 Feb 14.

Authors

Jessica A Smith¹, Cathryn Z Zhang, Reena Rupani, Fangru Lian

Affiliation

¹ Department of Pathology, University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona.

PMID: 23406375
DOI: 10.1111/pde.12047

Abstract

A needle-free system that delivers lidocaine to the dermis using pressurized gas is often used as an alternative anesthetic for venipuncture and intravenous catheterization in children. This case report illustrates the potential histologic artifacts that may arise when using a needleless device for a cutaneous punch biopsy. We suggest against using a needleless system for pediatric skin biopsies.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Anesthesia, Local / adverse effects*
Anesthesia, Local / instrumentation*
Anesthetics, Local / administration & dosage
Artifacts*
Biopsy / methods
Child
Female
Humans
Lidocaine / administration & dosage*
Neutropenia / pathology*
Skin Abnormalities / pathology*

Substances

Anesthetics, Local
Lidocaine

Supplementary concepts

Poikiloderma with Neutropenia