Feasibility study of a newly developed solid gel pad containing tamarind seed gum for diagnostic ultrasonography in human subjects

Ultrasonography-based diagnosis is increasingly used owing to its reliability. However, the conventional ultrasound gel has limitations of patient discomfort and cost. This study evaluated the clinical utility of a newly developed gel pad for ultrasound diagnosis composed of tamarind seed gum (0.1–5.0 wt%), polyhydric alcohol (25.0–70.0 wt%), and water (30.0–70.0 wt%). Ultrasound imaging was performed in four healthy volunteers using our new solid gel and the conventional liquid gel. Linear, convex, and sector probes were used for imaging of the common carotid artery and thyroid gland, liver, and parasternal four-chamber view, respectively. Image quality and volunteers’ satisfaction were assessed using the 5-point Likert scale. For all sites, no significant differences in the image quality parameters were observed between our solid and the conventional liquid gels. The mean satisfaction score was significantly higher for all sites when our solid gel was used. Image quality remained unchanged for all sites after the application of our solid gel. The quality of images acquired using the new gel was comparable to that of those acquired using the conventional gel. This preliminary evidence supports the use of our new solid gel for ultrasonography with all probes for various tissue types and depths.