Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.-based gel as an alternative to commercially available ultrasound gel on diagnostic ultrasound imaging: a phantom study

Ultrasound has gained widespread attention in diagnostic radiology. The procedure utilizes a coupling gel that serves as a conductive medium for the soundwaves generated by the transducer to produce images. Commercially available ultrasound gels contain chemicals which can be potentially harmful to the body. Natural products are known to be sources of less or nonharmful alternatives. In this study, 4% w/v Aloe vera-based gel was prepared which was used as a coupling medium during ultrasound. Two sets of ultrasound images were taken on the gelatin-based phantom design containing pellet balls and seedless grapes, using Aloe vera- based gel and commercial ultrasound gel (control). The image produced was compared in terms of geometric properties and spatial resolution. As to geometric properties, results show that the images produced using Aloe vera-based gel have no significant difference with the control and the actual size of the pellet in terms of length (p= .989), depth (p= .954) and size (p=.998). It can be inferred from the obtained ultrasound images that spatial resolution is acceptable. Therefore, Aloe vera- based gel can be used as an alternative coupling gel to commercially available ultrasound gel.

Keywords – Aloe vera, ultrasound, coupling gel, diagnostic ultrasound imaging.