In today’s medical world ultrasound technology has become a very amazing thing.
Be it checking pregnancy, looking at internal organs or guiding any medical work, ultrasound is used everywhere. But there is one thing that people do not notice much – that is ultrasound gel. This gel which does its work silently is very important in making ultrasound images clean and clear. Let’s talk about it in full detail.
What is Ultrasound Gel?
Ultrasound gel is a transparent, slightly thick and sticky gel which is applied on the skin when doing ultrasound. This gel is water-based and creates a smooth connection between the skin and the ultrasound machine (which is like a stick that is held in the hand).
If this gel is not applied, the ultrasound waves will not travel properly inside the body and the images will become blurry or unclear.
This gel is made up of mostly water, propylene glycol and other safe chemicals. It is skin-friendly, does not cause allergy and can be easily wiped off after the scan.
Why is Ultrasound Gel so important?
Now you must be wondering why a simple gel is so important. The reason is that ultrasound waves do not like air. If air comes between the skin and the machine, the waves do not travel properly and the image also gets spoiled.
So what does the gel do:
- Eliminates air gap: The gel removes any small pockets of air between the skin and the machine.
- Makes the image clear: If the waves are transferred properly, the image appears sharp and clear.
- Reduces friction: The machine moves smoothly on the skin, the patient also gets comfort.
- It is safe: This gel is skin-friendly, does not cause any irritation.
If gel is not applied, the image will not be clear and the doctor will also have to repeat the scan.
How does Ultrasound Gel work?
Science is simple. Ultrasound machine sends sound waves inside the body. When the sound wave meets air, it gets scattered, meaning it gets scattered. The gel forms a bridge so that the waves pass through the body without being disturbed.
Step by step:
- Apply gel: The technician applies gel to the patient’s scan area.
- Sound waves travel: The waves pass through the gel smoothly through the body.
- Reflection: The waves return from the tissues, bones or fluids inside the body and return to the machine.
- Image is created: The machine converts the reflected waves into an image.
The gel is water-based because sound waves travel smoothly in water. It is also a little thick so that it does not fall or dry out during the procedure.
Types of Ultrasound Gel
The same gel is not used everywhere. There are different types according to the procedure:
- Normal Gel: This is used in pregnancy scan, abdomen scan, it is hypoallergenic.
- Sterile Gel: When any invasive work is done inside the body like biopsy, then sterile gel is applied. Single-use packets come in this to prevent infection.
- Warming Gel: Warm gel is used in certain places so that the patient does not feel cold.
- Specialty Gel: Thick gel is used in certain scans like muscle scan or special gel for sensitive skin.
The technician chooses the right gel according to the procedure.
Benefits of Ultrasound Gel
Not only does it make the image clear, there are other benefits as well:
- Patient Comfort: The machine moves smoothly, there is no friction on the skin, the patient feels relaxed.
- Multipurpose: Used in every field – pregnancy, heart check-up, muscle therapy, etc.
- Budget-Friendly: Not expensive, can be afforded in all hospitals.
- Easily Cleans: Can be easily wiped off with water, does not leave any stickiness.
Is there any risk or side effect?
Normally it is safe, but some things should be kept in mind:
- Allergy: Very few people can get allergy, especially from propylene glycol. For such people, hypoallergenic gel is used.
- Sterility: If surgery or biopsy is done, if non-sterile gel is used, there is a chance of infection.
- Cold Gel: Patients feel uncomfortable when cold gel is applied, so nowadays warm gel is also used.
If someone has any problem with the gel, they should first tell the doctor.
How to choose the right gel?
What should be kept in mind while choosing gel in clinics or hospitals:
- Check for hypoallergenics: the one with less chance of allergy.
- Select after looking at the procedure: use simple gel in normal scan, sterile gel in invasive.
- Check for quality certifications: FDA or CE certified gel is safe.
- Packaging: Single-use packet for sterile, big bottle for normal to save cost.
Essential facts about ultrasound gel
- Not just in medical: ultrasound gel is also used in physiotherapy to relieve muscle pain.
- It is also eco-friendly: Nowadays biodegradable gels are also being made to reduce pollution.
- Starting from 1950s: It is a very old invention, evolved along with ultrasound technology.
Conclusion
Ultrasound gel seems like a small thing, but without it ultrasound is useless. This gel bridges the skin and the machine and gives clear and accurate images, which makes it easy for the doctor to diagnose.
Next time when you go for an ultrasound, think while applying the gel – how great a job this small thing is doing!
Faqs
This gel is mostly water based, it is made by mixing propylene glycol and some other safe things, so that the sound waves move inside the body properly and do not cause any problem to the skin. It is non-toxic and generally does not cause allergy.
Most people do not have allergy, but some people may have slight problem with propylene glycol. For such people, hypoallergenic gel is used. If there is any irritation or problem on the skin, tell the doctor.
The gel is at room temperature, when applied it feels cold on the skin. Nowadays some clinics use gel warmers so that the patient feels comfortable.
Yes, it is generally safe and does not cause irritation. But if someone has sensitive skin or has any doubts about allergies, tell the technician first, he will apply hypoallergenic gel.
Gel is available in the market, but mostly for medical and therapy purposes. Before using it at home, it is important to ask the doctor how to apply it, where to apply it and to use it correctly.
That gel dissolves in water and can be easily wiped off with a tissue or towel. If it is a little sticky, wash it with warm water and light soap and it will be completely clean.
Air enters between the machine and the skin, which prevents the sound waves from entering the body. This causes the image to become blurred and the doctor has difficulty in seeing clearly.
Yes, normal gel, sterile gel (used during biopsy or operation), warming gel (so that it doesn’t feel cold), and specialty gel (for special scans) – all are used for their own purposes.
No, do not reuse gel that has already been used, especially sterile gel. There is a chance of infection, it is important to maintain hygiene.
Ask the doctor directly or visit a good medical website, you will get detailed information there.
Disclaimer: This article is only for educational purpose. Before using any medical procedure or product, definitely talk to your doctor.