See the "Hospitals" drop-down menus for specific issues like finding other hospitals, resources for introducing Buzzy, and information about cost and ordering.  Here are other Frequently Asked Questions from hospitals.

Does each patient need his/her own Buzzy? Using one for each patient eliminates risk of germ transmission, and is cost-effective compared to creams after 5 sites/uses.  This approach is being used for immunocompromised patients and those with chronic illnesses.  Buzzy and the blue gel wings should be sterilized with a Saniwipe after each use if shared.

Can I reuse Buzzy? Yes, if he is wiped down with a hospital grade cleansing wipe between patients.

Can I  reuse the White Ice Wings? Only for individual patients; for multiple users, the reusable Blue Gel Wings are recommended to decrease the risk of infection.

Do I need the Velcro Strap? You can either use the velcro strap or a tourniquet itself. If your infection control committee doesn't want you to use the velcro strap, let us know and we can substitute Bee-Stractors distraction cards.

Do I need the Distraction Cards? Bee-Stractors definitely help.  Using a 10 point scale, a study in children 6-12 found IV pain of 4.46 +/- 2.9 to be reduced to 0.53 +/- .09 using both distraction cards and Buzzy.  Using only Bee-Stractors averaged 2.43, and Buzzy alone reduced pain to 1.38.

Where is Buzzy placed to relieve IV pain? 3-5 cm proximal to the site.

Can Buzzy be used for port access? Although Buzzy is being used for port access, we have no specific data on this.  Share with us if you do!

Can Buzzy be used to decrease the lidocaine sting or pain from Rocephin injections? Although Buzzy is being used for lidocaine injections and Rocephin injections, we have no data on this.  Share with us if you do!

Is Buzzy effective for IV sticks in children? Yes, ages 4 and up.  There is one abstract from a study in Turkey ages 6 and up, and this one from the US 2009 AAP NCE Platform Abstract.doc

Is Buzzy effective for fingersticks in children? We hear good things, but haven't ourselves collected data.  Children's Healthcare of Atlanta did a staff and parent survey and found Buzzy to be effective enough that they launched system-wide.  Check out the parent and staff survey results. 

Do you HAVE to use the cold packs? Unless there is a sensitivity to cold, Raynaud's or sickle cell disease, Buzzy works better with ice.   They MUST be frozen solid for best effect, but can be held in a hand rather than at the site.  Read more about ice packs . . .