Subscribe today for more stories, tips, and updates.

Cincinnati Children's Blog
  • Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Healthy Living
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Heart Conditions
  • Learning and Growing
  • Research and Discoveries
  • ?
  • Blog
  • Healthy Living
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Heart Conditions
  • Learning and Growing
  • Research and Discoveries
  • ?
  • Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us
HOME/How We Do It/Ultrasound Gel: A Necessary Mess

Ultrasound Gel: A Necessary Mess

Ultrasound Gel: A Necessary Mess
February 12, 2019
0 Comments
By: Janet M. Adams

An ultrasound is an easy, painless exam, but it can get a bit messy due to the gel that is rubbed on the skin. A question we hear quite frequently in the Ultrasound Division is, “Why do you have to use gel?” The answer is simpler than you might think.

Sound waves don’t travel through air very well. And while you might think there is no air when the probe is on the skin, the tiny hairs and dry skin hold many little pockets of air. The gel serves as a connector, eliminating the air and forming a bond between the ultrasound probe and the skin. It also reduces or eliminates static. This conductive substance allows the sound waves to travel directly to the tissues beneath the skin, allowing us to obtain clear images of the organ(s) of interest.

Ultrasound gel is a thick substance composed of water and propylene glycol, a synthetic compound often found in food and cosmetic or hygiene products. It has a sticky consistency, allowing it to be spread over the skin without dripping or running off. The shelf life of gel is 5 years; however, for infection-control purposes, it is suggested that it be used within 28 days after the bottle is opened. In the Ultrasound Division, we write the expiration date on every bottle as soon as it is opened.

Photo: Ultrasound gel with date of use

The bottles of gel are non-sterile and are not to be used on open wounds, mucous membranes, premature infants, or critically ill or immunocompromised patients. Single-use sterile gel packs are available for these instances. The gel packets and bottles are kept in a warmer to ensure patient comfort during the exam.

Photo: Ultrasound gel bottles and packs.

The more gel we use, the better our images. So although it might be a messy exam, an ultrasound study is an excellent tool for imaging our young patients.

Photo: Gel on transducer
Subscribe today for more stories, tips, and updates.

Related Articles

<strong>January 2023</strong> Radiology Patient Experience Update 
January 2023 Radiology Patient Experience Update 
<strong>Radiology Shows Its Support for the Cincinnati Bengals</strong>
Radiology Shows Its Support for the Cincinnati Bengals
Happy New Year 2023!
Happy New Year 2023!
New Employees Joins Our IRC Group
New Employees Joins Our IRC Group
TAGS:
  • gel
  • radiology
  • ultrasound
  • US
Avatar photo

About the author: Janet M. Adams

Janet is a sonographer at Cincinnati Children’s. She has worked in the Ultrasound department for over 26 years, and clearly has a passion for working with children. Janet serves as a lead Safety Coach, TJC representative, and education resource for her department. She enjoys challenging exams, and is involved in local and global ultrasound research projects. When she is not at work, her 4 children and 9 grandchildren keep her very busy!

Write A Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

No Comments Yet

Topics

  • Cancer and Blood Diseases
  • Child Development and Behavior
  • Childhood Obesity
  • Chronic Care Networks
  • Cincinnati Walks for Kids
  • Featured Faces
  • Fetal Conditions
  • Fitness and Nutrition
  • Food Allergies
  • Ghana 2012
  • Health Care Public Policy
  • Health Care Quality
  • Health Care Reform
  • Healthy Living
  • Heart Conditions
  • Hospital Operations
  • How We Do It
  • Learning and Growing
  • Meet The Team
  • Nurses Week 2012
  • Patient Family Experience
  • Patient Flow
  • Patient Safety
  • Patient Stories
  • Pin of the Week
  • Radiology
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Research
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Share Your Story
  • Technology
  • Uncategorized
  • Vaccines
  • Volunteerism
  • What Makes Us Different
  • What's New
See All Topics
See Less Topics

Subscribe

Never miss a post! Sign up to get new blog updates delivered to your email.

Popular Posts

  • Caring for the Caregivers of Children with Congenital Heart Disease  2.2k views
  • 6 Questions to Ask When Your Child Complains of Chest Pain 1.9k views
  • My Child Has High Blood Pressure, Now What? 704 views
  • Button Batteries: What Parents Should Know 640 views
  • Stuttering In Young Kids: When To Be Concerned 630 views
  • Bedwetting Solutions: Tips for Helping Your Child Overcome It 588 views
About

The Cincinnati Children’s blog features thoughts and perspectives from our experts on all things pediatric health. This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn More »

Contact Us
  • 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026
  • 1-513-636-4200 | 1-800-344-2462
  • TTY: 1-513-636-4900
  • socialmedia@cchmc.org
Connect With Us
  • Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us

© 2009-2022 Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center