A gel is an essential element in ultrasound imaging as it gives proper visualisation of internal human body structures. Air pockets between the transducer and the layer of skin are removed by this conductive gel, which might block sound waves and reduce the clarity of images. The gel used in these operations has developed along with ultrasound technology, with advancements meant to improve image quality, ensure compatibility with a variety of ultrasound applications, and improve patient comfort.
Importance of Right Gel Application
- Image Clarity: Correct application of the gel will facilitate ultrasound waves to be transmitted through the whole body, thereby providing clear and accurate images.
- Patient Comfort: Correct application of the gel reduces the level of discomfort during the procedure, thus it becomes less unpleasant for the patient.
- Longer Transducer Life: Correct use of the gel protects the transducer and guarantees the length of its useful life.
- Diagnostic Accuracy: For diagnosis to be achieved accurately, images have to be as clear as possible, and the use of gel and its application makes this clear.
Techniques in Applying Ultrasound Gel
Preparation
Before the application of gel, proper preparation must be secured both with the patient and the equipment.
Preparation of the Patient: The patient’s skin must be clean and dry. Anything on the skin, like oils, lotions, dirt, etc., affects the efficacy of the gel.
Gel Temperature: Cold gel might feel unpleasant, and it should be better to allow the gel to achieve room temperature before use. It can also be slightly warmed if indicated. One can use a gel warmer for this purpose.
Application Methods
Ultrasonography is a versatile examination, and hence several spread techniques are used to apply gel to the skin or body part under observation. These are:
Direct Method
Step 1: Squeeze gel directly on the area of interest. The gel should be enough to cover all the areas without overflowing.
Step 2: Use the transducer to spread the gel evenly across the skin, ensuring that no air bubbles are trapped between the skin and the transducer.
Step 3: Start the ultrasound examination with even pressure to hold the gel in the area.
Indirect Application
1. Apply a small quantity of gel to the transducer.
2. Spread the gel evenly around the surface of the transducer.
3. Place the transducer on the patient’s skin and move it gently to spread the gel evenly.
4. Apply further gel, if required, to give good coverage.
Single-Use Gel Packets
Single-use gel packets are available which can be used directly on the skin. These appear more hygienic, especially for use in a clean environment.
Step 1: Open the packet and squeeze the gel out. You can either squeeze it onto the transducer or squeeze it onto the patient’s skin.
Step 2: Spread the gel by moving the transducer using different patterns, which include gently drawing small circles repeatedly with consistent pressure off until air pockets stop form
Special Considerations
Vast Area
You should use the gel in patches in case it is a large area that is supposed to be imaged; this is highly recommended, primarily in abdominal, and obstetric scans. This is to prevent the gel from drying up before the whole area is covered.
Step 1: Add enough gel to the first section and make a scan.
Step 2: Move on to the next section and add more gel if needed.
Small or Sensitive Areas
For the small or sensitive regions, such as vascular or musculoskeletal ultrasounds of the body, less amount could be used to decrease the spreading of excess material.
Step 1: Add a small amount to the transducer or the skin, and then prepare to spread.
Step 2: Spread the material carefully so that there is no kind of discomfort at all. Sterile
Sterile Procedures
For treatments that noted a requirement for a sterile field, a sterile gel is applied and aseptic techniques were used to not contaminate the sterile field.
Step 1: A pair of sterile gloves and a pair of sterile packets of Gel
Step 2: Apply the gel without contaminating it with unsterile equipment
Techniques for Applying Gel Effectively
Consistency and amount
Viscosity: Gel that has the viscosity that is correct for that particular study or the amount/form that is required for that study. There are thicker, heavier, gels used in studies which need to stay in place, and lighter gels used in studies to have it spread easier, more quickly.
Amount: Use sufficient gel to the area without using an excess amount such that it drips off, causing a mess
Removal of Air Bubbles
Note not to trap air while applying the gel, causing poor image quality
Check the surface of the glands of the transducer for air bubbles before conducting an examination
Apply an additional gel if required
Problems Associated With the Temperature of Gel
Keep the gel slightly warm to avert causing discomfort on the patient. Gel warmers assist in maintaining it at the correct temperatures.
Hygiene
Scrub the transducer clean before any use and after offering the service to another patient. This is to make sure it is not contaminated. Wipe the remains of gel from the patient’s skin after the process for hygiene.
Patient Communication
Explain what it is for the patient to relieve fears
Warn the patient if the gel is cold, but then not cold enough to cause any discomfort, more so, it will quickly warm up on contact with the skin.
Be responsive to the nature of the procedure
Make the technique of applying gel responsive to the nature of the ultrasound procedure. Cardiac Ultrasound may require varied techniques in the application of gel to abdominal ultrasound
Most Common Problems and Their Fixes
Gel evaporate
Solution: cover in part, the necessary parts, and reapply time after time as needed. Increase the viscosity of the gel for the longer procedures.
Too Much Gel
Problem: When there is too much gel, it becomes very messy during the examinations.
Solution: Dispense the gel in the correct amount, and then distribute it properly. Any excessive gel applied should be wiped off in time.
Air Bubbles
Challenge: Air bubbles cause poor-quality images.
Solution: Spread the gel carefully to avoid trapping air bubbles. Look at the transducer for the presence of bubbles before the assessment.
Patient Discomfort
Problem: The patient is rendered uncomfortable with the cold gel.
Solution: The easy step is that the gel can be prepared to room temperature or can very well use a warm gel from a gel warmer for patient comfort.
Gel Contamination
Problem: Give rise to infections from contaminated gel or the result for assessment being wayward.
Solution: Single-use packs should be used when dealing with any type of sterile examination, and there should be proper adherence to hygiene protocols.
Conclusion
Although it may seem that applying ultrasound gels is an easy process, the technique and type of gels used are arguably the most crucial aspects of successful ultrasound imaging. Armed with an understanding of the use of Gels, selection of appropriate application techniques and common solutions and problem-solving, the health professional will yield optimal image quality and patient comfort.
