What is the difference between lubricating jelly and ultrasound gel?

From the Guidelines

Lubricating jelly and ultrasound gel are not interchangeable, and their differences in composition, consistency, conductivity, sterility, and intended use are crucial for optimal performance in their respective applications. The primary distinction between lubricating jelly and ultrasound gel lies in their purpose and formulation. Lubricating jelly is designed for reducing friction during medical procedures or intimate activities, whereas ultrasound gel is specifically formulated for use in ultrasound imaging to facilitate clear and accurate results. Key differences include:

• Composition: Lubricating jelly typically contains water, glycerin, and sometimes additional ingredients for moisturizing, whereas ultrasound gel is water-based with propylene glycol and often includes a thickening agent.
• Consistency: Ultrasound gel is usually thicker and more viscous than lubricating jelly to maintain better contact with the skin during imaging.
• Conductivity: Ultrasound gel is formulated to be highly conductive to sound waves, ensuring clear imaging results, as noted in guidelines for ultrasound transducer cleaning and disinfection 1.
• Sterility: Medical-grade lubricating jelly is often sterile for use in certain procedures, while ultrasound gel may not always be sterile, with sterile gel recommended when there is concern for potential infection 1.
• Intended use: Lubricating jelly is meant for reducing friction, while ultrasound gel is designed to eliminate air between the ultrasound transducer and the skin for optimal image quality. Understanding these differences is vital for proper application in medical settings and to ensure the effectiveness of ultrasound examinations, with the choice of gel influenced by factors such as sterility requirements and the need for specific conductive properties, as outlined in recent guidelines 1.

From the Research

Differences between Lubricating Jelly and Ultrasound Gel

• The primary difference between lubricating jelly and ultrasound gel lies in their composition and intended use 2, 3, 4.
• Lubricating jelly, such as K-Y Jelly, is typically used as a personal lubricant, while ultrasound gel, like Aquasonic, is used as a coupling medium in ultrasound procedures to facilitate the transmission of sound waves between the transducer and the patient's skin 2, 3, 5.
• Studies have shown that some lubricating jellies can be toxic to sperm, whereas ultrasound gels are generally considered safe for use in medical procedures 4.
• In terms of radiation dose attenuating properties, both lubricating jelly and ultrasound gel have been found to be similar to water, making them suitable for use as alternative bolus materials in radiation therapy applications 2.
• The viscosity and acoustic impedance of ultrasound gel are critical factors in its effectiveness as a coupling medium, whereas lubricating jelly is not subject to the same standards 5.

Comparison of Lubricating Jelly and Ultrasound Gel in Medical Procedures

• Research has demonstrated that lubricating jelly can be used as a bolus material in radiation therapy, but its use in ultrasound procedures is not recommended due to its potential toxicity and lack of standardization 2, 4.
• Ultrasound gel, on the other hand, is specifically designed for use in ultrasound procedures and has been shown to be effective in a variety of medical applications, including point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in austere environments 5, 6.
• Studies have also investigated the use of alternative substances, such as water, soap, and olive oil, as substitutes for commercial ultrasound gel in POCUS procedures, with promising results 6.

Chemical Composition and Safety

• The chemical composition of lubricating jelly and ultrasound gel can vary significantly, with some lubricating jellies containing propylene glycol and glycerol, which can be neurotoxic in high concentrations 3.
• Ultrasound gel, by contrast, is typically composed of a mixture of water, glycerin, and propylene glycol, and is designed to be safe for use on the skin and in medical procedures 3, 5.
• The safety of lubricating jelly and ultrasound gel has been evaluated in various studies, with findings suggesting that ultrasound gel is generally safer for use in medical procedures due to its standardized composition and testing 3, 4.