Ultrasound Gels - Conductive Gels, Lotions & Sprays

Before each ultrasound session, the scanner will apply an ultrasound gel to the scanning area on the patient's body. This step aims to make a clear pathway for the ultrasound waves to enter the patient's body without bouncing off-target and distorting the images. In addition, many scanners will request to shave the imaging area to ensure a better connection. Ultrasound machines' images can provide lifesaving diagnostic information to medical professionals. So, the ultrasound gel is essential to getting the best ultrasound images possible from the ultrasound scanning session.

During an imaging session, ultrasound gel serves as a conductive medium between the surface of a patient's skin and the transducer. Waves from the ultrasound machine travel through the probe and into the human body. Once the waves penetrate the air and tissue, the ultrasound machine creates images based on the patterns created from the wave's refractions as they encounter organs and the spaces in-between. However, air can be disruptive to ultrasonic waves. As a result, it can adversely affect the quality of the images. Ultrasound gel prevents air interference by filling the airspace between the transducer and the patients' skin, clearing the way for the waves to get to their destination and perform the desired task. In this small field of conductivity, the gel functions very similar to the function of electrical wiring conducting electricity.

To successfully displace air long enough to get the job done, ultrasound gel must have a sticky texture and thick composition. Some ultrasound gels are oil-based. However, most gels have a formula of water and propylene glycol. There is also an ultrasound lotion. Regardless of the formulation, the product must be holdfast to the body's surface area for the duration of the scanning session. Some patients may complain that the ultrasound gel is too cold. Since warming the gel won't harm its properties, the scanner can warm the product with a gel warmer. There are a large variety of ultrasound gels available, even hypoallergenic options.

For infection purposes, general industry guidelines stipulate that ultrasound gel containers expire 28 days past the opening date. Therefore, many imaging techs and sonographers record each ultrasound gel bottle's open date and expiration date for infection prevention. Also, the Ultrasound Department for the joint Commission warns ultrasound transmission gel users not to refill "reusable "250ml bottles because this practice carries an increased risk of cross-contamination. This risk is primarily due to the products' exposure to multiple patients and personnel. Also, there is no safe way to disinfect the bottles.

In a clinical setting, ultrasound gel could contribute to other medical purposes. For example, medical professionals use it as a vaginal lubricant for inserting a transducer probe during ovarian echography procedures. However, these additional use possibilities could present more opportunities for cross-contamination.

Ultrasound gel is electrically conductive with all sorts of electrical applications. For example, it can play an essential role in electrotherapy by reducing the chance of electric shock through diverting errant current. In addition, ultrasound gel is acoustically compatible over many frequencies.

Ultrasound conductive gel has a chemically neutral base that supplies excellent adhesion for electrodes. It also is water-soluble, hypoallergenic, microbiologically safe, and skin tested. Along with sonograms, conductive gel is conducive for use in cardioversion, electrostimulation, psychiatric electrotherapy, EEG, electromyography, and several other procedures.

Healthcare professionals and trained defibrillator operators can use ultrasound gel for defibrillation. Like in an ultrasound procedure, the gel acts as a conductive bond between the body and the electrode of the cardiac arrest victim. Also, ultrasound gels with high viscosity work best for defibrillation.