The “TA” means topical anesthetic.

Ethyl chloride is known to be toxic, extremely flammable, and carries inhalation precautions for patients and practitioners. It is listed as “…a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer” and on restricted lists in other states as well. CryoDose TA is a safer and more economical alternative to ethyl chloride. It is non-flammable, non-HAZMAT, non-toxic, and does not carry inhalation precautions. It is a clinical and therapeutic equivalent to ethyl chloride and cleared by the FDA with more indications for use. In addition to use on intact skin, it can be used on open wounds and intact oral mucous membranes.

Yes. CryoDose TA has an equivalent cooling profile to Pain Ease and ethyl chloride. When sprayed 4 to 10 seconds, CryoDose TA lowers the temperature at the procedure site to well below freezing, producing an anesthetic effect without damaging the skin.

See (and download) a PDF comparison chart which includes academic and governmental references here.

Ethyl chloride should not be used around or in conjunction with cautery, ultrasound, or laser equipment. CryoDose TA is non-flammable and is safe to use in these areas where ethyl chloride presents hazards.

Ethyl chloride should be stored in a safety cabinet according to toxicity and flammability protocols. Ethyl chloride should be disposed with hazardous waste. CryoDose TA contains no hazardous materials and may be stored and disposed of as a normal aerosol.

Ethyl chloride must be shipped as HAZMAT, requires a Department of Transportation HAZMAT fee, and is shipped separately from routine purchased items. CryoDose TA is shipped under normal conditions.

They are identical including parts and ingredients with two exceptions: CryoDose TA has 115mL vs. 103.5mL and carries a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

These products are clinical and therapeutic equivalents. The dosage, administration, onset of effect, and duration of effect are the same.

CryoDose TA Mist serves the needs of practitioners who treat with ‘mist’ sprays. CryoDose TA Medium Stream replaces ‘stream’ products.

Fine stream is used infrequently. Practitioners can easily switch to the lower-cost Medium Stream with no change in technique and with minimal concern.

A 115 mL Medium Stream or Mist canister provides approximately 55 applications (at an average of 5 seconds spray time) per container. CryoDose TA is also available in a 35mL Medium Stream or Mist canister.

Refer to the Directions for Use insert located under the product’s cap.

OTC cold sprays are intended to cool and relieve pain associated with sports injuries such as bruises, muscle aches, and strains. They are for surface use only and should not be used on broken skin. They are butane-based products making them extremely flammable. In contrast, CryoDose TA is a FDA approved topical anesthetic spray that can be used on broken skin, minor wounds, and intact mucous membranes. CryoDose TA undergoes USP <61> and USP <62> testing to ensure it is clean (aseptic). It can be used after an antiseptic wipe and will not increase pathogen levels at the procedure site. It is non-flammable and non-toxic.

CryoDose TA is not sterile but is safe to be used prior to aseptic procedures. It has been tested by an independent laboratory to meet USP <61> and USP <62> standards and proven to be safe with no statistical significance in microbial colonization. In fact, total microbial counts (TAMC) and total mold and yeast plate counts (TYMC) were reported to be <10 cfu/g. Staphylococcus (Staph) aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were tested for and none were detected. Additionally, a published clinical trial demonstrates the ingredients for CryoDose TA will not introduce or add microorganisms to a procedure site prepped with an antiseptic*.

*Source: Dermatol Surg. 2014 Oct; 40 (10):1103-7. Skin sterility after application of a vapocoolant spray. Schleicher WF, Richards BG, Huettner F, Ozturk C, Zuccaro P, Zins JE)

Apply the spray as the last step before performing a procedure. Follow local protocol for cleaning the site with an antiseptic, have all equipment ready for the procedure, and then apply spray prior to performing the procedure.

CryoDose TA should be sprayed on the procedure site at a distance of 3 to 7 inches for approximately 4 to 10 seconds. Average spray times are usually 5 to 7 seconds. If during the spray time the skin turns white or blanches, stop spraying.

The anesthetic numbing effect can last up to 60 seconds.

If a procedure takes longer than anticipated, reapply as necessary.

Rotate white actuator button approximately 180º, then point nozzle at treatment area and press actuator button firmly.

To reorder, contact your medical supply distributor representative. More information is also available on other pages of this website.