What is the role of gel in diagnostic ultrasound?

In diagnostic ultrasound, the role of gel is crucial for effective sound wave transmission. The gel serves to create a barrier that eliminates air pockets between the transducer and the skin. Since ultrasound relies on sound waves to create images of internal structures, any air in between would disrupt the transmission of these waves. Air has a significantly lower acoustic impedance compared to body tissues and fluids, which can lead to poor image quality or the inability to obtain an image at all. By using gel, the pathway for sound waves becomes more efficient, allowing for clearer and more accurate diagnostic information to be gathered during the ultrasound procedure.