Analgesic utility of automatic lancing device for heel prick in neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the benefits of an automatic lancing device compared with a manual lancet or a hypodermic needle in neonates. Materials & methods: We followed the Cochrane Handbook methodology, used the RoB-2 tool for risk of bias assessment, RevMan 4.1 for meta-analysis and GRADE framework for certainty assessment. We searched the databases and gray literature on 15 November 2023. Results: Six eligible studies enrolling 539 neonates were included. An automatic lancing device reduced pain scores during and after heel prick, sampling time and the need for repeat puncture. The certainty of evidence was very low to moderate. Conclusion: An automatic lancing device is preferred for heel pricks in neonates, given less pain and higher efficiency. PROSPERO registration number:CRD42023483189.