Ultrasound Gel - Why is it Used?

Before a sonographer (medical professional who operates an imaging device or ultrasound) proceeds to perform an ultrasound scan, you’ll notice that a layer of thick gel is applied on the belly of a pregnant woman. That gel is water-based and serves as lubricant throughout the procedure to produce a great image of the growing baby inside the mother’s womb. To give you a broader understanding about this gel, let me discussed first where is this gel made from.

The typical gel for ultrasound contains Polyacrylamide or the byproduct of the gel that undergone process of electrophoresis (also known as cataphoresis which defines the relative motion of dispersing particles in a solution under the state of dimensionally uniform electric field) which is a common method in biochemistry that aims to separate macromolecules. This ultrasound gel is safe and non-toxic for both sonographer and patient, it contains some chemicals responsible for its texture, thickness and color.

Chemicals are differentiated as Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol or Colorant. Propylene Glycol is commonly used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes, its chemical molecule in nature is stable and neutral which is not reactive if combined with other substances. It also serves as emulsifier, helps in holding and binding water molecules and other substances. Glycerin is a compound commonly used in soap production. It’s characterized as colorless and sweet in taste, Polyol is its main component which is a molecule containing alcohol with multiple hydroxyl groups attached to it which helps absorbs water from air thus making it a good solvent. Phenoxyethanol  is a colorless oil-based and water soluble solution that is consider as glycolether, commonly used in derma products but somehow over usage can cause damage or toxicity of the central nervous system. Colorant is synthetic dyes of FD&C Blue No. 1 that is made out of petroleum are usually used in ultrasound gel. These types of dyes are mostly found in foods and cosmetics products.

Upon performing the ultrasound imaging procedure the medical professional applies the gel on the surface of the skin, it is clear, thick and adheres easily. It is normally cold, however there are ultrasound gel warmers to warm it before use.  The gel serves as the medium in the transmission of soundwaves. After the application, the transducer is then place and manipulated on the target area where the gel absorbs all air displaying clear and high quality images. It serves as the bridge of the soundwaves where it passes by and bounces back to the transducer, then transducers pick-up the waves and processed it to visualize the internal structure of the body organ. Ultrasound is helpful not only for pregnant women who wants to see the baby inside their tummy but also for the diagnosis of tumors whether benign or malignant, early detection of metastasis of cancer cells, abnormal masses and visualization of hollow internal organs. After the ultrasound procedure is done, the ultrasound gel is wiped off, the image produce is printed out or saved for patient’s benefits and hospital record purposes.

Smartsound Ultrasound (DrSmart.com) is a leading provider of ultrasound equipment and related supplies such as ultrasound gel used in ultrasound procedures.