PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF ULTRASOUND TRANSMISSION GEL

Objective: Formulation of an alternative ultrasound transmission gel that is of good quality using the available chemicals in Iraqi market and without any harmful effects to skin. Methods: Four formulas G1, G2, G3, and G4 with different Carbopol 934 concentrations (0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6) w/v%, respectively, were prepared and evaluated for different physicochemical characteristics including: Clarity, homogeneity, density, pH, viscosity, and spreadability tests. Other evaluations including skin irritation, microbiological, and stability tests were also performed for the selected formula along with a comparison study with the commercially available ultrasound gel (commercial gel [CG]) which was used as a control. In addition, transmission test was carried out by comparing the transmission between (CG) and (G1) with the assistance of three veterinary radiologists who did ultrasonography of bovine liver for 11 adult cattle breed, aged 3–8 years. The three veterinary radiologists were given 33 data sheets to collect results.Results: Among all the prepared formulas (G1), the formula was considered the best, due to its high clarity, very good homogeneity; its pH was equal to 6.8 which is near to skin pH. Other parameters such as density, viscosity, torque percent, and spreadability showed no significant difference (p≤0.05) with CG. Skin irritation test which was conducted on animals and humans showed no any adverse effects on skin. Microbiological test manifested that using methylparaben alone was sufficient to prevent the growth of microbes in the gel. The three veterinary radiologists found no significant difference (p≤0.05) between G1 and CG formulations. Stability study indicated that the gel was stable after storage at room temperature for 3 months.Conclusion: The overall results suggest that the selected formula (G1) can be considered a successful ultrasound gel and can be used as a good and cheap alternative of the marketed imported gel