Why Gel Is Applied On Skin Before Ultrasound

Ultrasound, also called sonography, shows images of the structures inside the body. This can help guide the diagnosis and treatment of many health ailments. In this process, a gel is applied to your skin over the portion of the body being examined. Many users want to know how this gel is prepared and what is the rationale behind using it.

This gel prevents air pockets, which can block the sound waves that create the images. Due to this process, the possibility of air formation here becomes negligible. This reduces acoustic impedance and radio waves travel easily between one medium and another. For those who don’t know about acoustic impedance, it is the resistance to the propagation of ultrasound waves through tissues. After coming into contact with any tissue, some of the waves are reflected to the probe and others go even further. It is because of this process, we get to see a good image of the organs located inside the body.

About the gel

This gel is prepared from a mixture of water and propylene glycol (a synthetic liquid that absorbs water). As per the reports, this gel is non-toxic and thus not harmful to human skin. It is because of the gel that the sensors of the transducer can move forward easily after coming into contact with the skin. A transducer is an electronic device that converts energy from one form to another. For example- microphones, loudspeakers, thermometers, position and pressure sensors and antennae.

Painless process

Ultrasound is usually a painless process. Some of the people, however, may experience slight discomfort as the sonographer guides the transducer over your body. It may not be comfortable if they are required to have the transducer inserted into your body. A typical ultrasound exam takes from 30 minutes to an hour.

After the Ultrasound

When the ultrasound test is complete, a radiologist (a doctor trained to interpret the imaging studies), analyses the images. The radiologist sends a report to your healthcare professional who will share the results with you. You should be able to resume with usual activities right after an ultrasound.