A Novel Ultrasound Transmission Gel Alternative for Resource-Constrained Environments

Ultrasound represents an ideal diagnostic adjunct for medical personnel operating in resource-constrained environments such as space, mountainous terrain, or other austere locations, due to its portability and expanding number... [ view full abstract ]

Ultrasound represents an ideal diagnostic adjunct for medical personnel operating in resource-constrained environments such as space, mountainous terrain, or other austere locations, due to its portability and expanding number of point-of-care applications. However, these expensive machines are rendered useless without a transmission medium which allows for propagation of ultrasound waves from transducer to patient. Glucomannan powder is a water-soluble dietary supplement derived from Konjac root which, when combined in proper ratio with room-temperature water, creates a gel with consistency and sonographic fidelity similar to standard commercially-produced ultrasound gel. Small amounts of glucomannan can be carried into resource-limited environments and reconstituted on an as-needed basis, making it an ideal and cost-effective gel alternative for medical personnel operating in austere environments.