When we go to the hospital for a check-up for an ultrasound, the doctor will apply a sticky, transparent paste on the surface of our skin. What exactly does it do when you put it on?
Click the video below to see what the experts have to say
This transparent paste is a “medical ultrasonic coupling agent”, which is a water-based polymer gel. It is not a drug, it is a medical device, and it is also a good helper for doctors to perform ultrasound examinations.
What is the purpose of the couplant?
There are many lines and folds on the surface of human skin or mucous membranes, and there are gaps and air in the depressions of the lines and folds. If the probe is in direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes, it will not only affect the inspection results , and also cause pain to the patient due to friction. When applied, the couplant removes air from the depressions in the texture of the skin and mucous membranes, allowing the ultrasound to travel more smoothly for more realistic and clearer images; it also acts as a lubricant when the ultrasound probe is moved.
Ultrasonic couplants are divided into non-sterile and sterile types. The former is mainly used for ultrasound diagnosis and treatment operations on intact skin. Sterile ultrasonic coupling agent is used for ultrasonic diagnosis and treatment operations on wounds and non-intact skin, such as intraoperative ultrasound and needle biopsy; ultrasonic diagnosis and treatment operations on intact mucous membranes through esophagus, vagina, rectum, etc. Ultrasound diagnosis and treatment.
You can rest assured that this couplant is harmless to human health as long as it is used correctly.
References:
[1] Niu Fengqi, Zhu Chenggang, Cheng Yang. Medical ultrasound couplant—knowledge and information that sonographers should know [J]. China Medical Imaging Technology, 2009, 25(04) : 715-717.
[2] New standard “Medical Ultrasound Couplant”. 2018-1-1.
[3] Liu Xiru, Zhang Liubo. Hygiene status and disinfection progress during medical ultrasound diagnosis and treatment [J]. Chinese Journal of Disinfection, 2017, 34(05): 468-472.< /p>
Thanks to the above pharmacy experts for their generous contributions to this video
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