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Although phlebotomy is a common and widespread procedure, the medical literature provides limited information in terms of the documented complications of venipuncture. Documentation of phlebotomy-related nerve injuries is even more limited. The authors present a case report of a phlebotomy-induced lesion of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. According to our literature search, this is the first case in which electrodiagnostic studies were used to document venipuncture-related injury of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. Specific electrodiagnostic testing is used to definitively diagnose this rare injury and to track recovery. Electrodiagnostic testing can be helpful in evaluating cases of sensory disturbance after phlebotomy.

Ernest and Leslie Rea, two farmers in their mid-fifties, contacted their local County Agricultural Extension Office in Cape May, New Jersey, regarding health problems associated with their use of pesticides. They were referred to Dr. Hamilton and the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI) clinic for consultation and evaluations. They were diagnosed with chronic intoxication of organophosphate pesticides. Recommendations were made to decrease health risks in the farming operations. These included the usage of personal protective equipment while handling or applying pesticides, transportation of pesticides in a separate trailer behind the farm truck, and construction of separate storage areas for herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. A separate wash site was also constructed for use at the end of the work day. Compliance with these strategies resulted in improvements in health for both farmers.