Did you know how high the
risk of infection
of gel like medical devices is?
It poses a real risk when these 3 things come together:
- non-sterile contact gel
- the humid environment and the
- busy institutional environment
Start managing your risk of infection…
Improper manufacturing
conditions may increase the risk of infection, which may primarily affect patients
A seemingly innocent infection can mean:
- In the case of a weaker immune system, it can have more serious consequences – even lead to a fatal outcome.
- uncertainty, loss of trust in doctors and the institution
Infection always has consequences.Just a simple technical detail such as contact gel left open longer than recommended (30 days) after opening — can easily turn into a real and imminent risk.
What starts with the patient continues at the institution...
When an infection is suspected, the process rarely stops at patient care…
- internal investigation, documentation, record keeping, liability issues
- review of tools, materials, and protocols
This takes time, attention, and resources away from an already overloaded system.
In contrast, prevention: can be planned, reducing the chance of a routine task becoming a real problem.
Reduce the risk of infection!
Start managing your risk of infection…
Risks during production...
According to the MDR, ultrasound and contact gels are non-sterile, Class I/A products. .The production is not carried out under sterile conditions, however, minimizing the microbiological load is an important aspect.
A significant risk during manufacturing may arise if quality assurance processes are ignored:
- if the raw materials are not sufficiently controlled
- if the production does not take place in a disinfected environment
If production takes place in a controlled environment, the risk of infection is minimal.
What do we pay attention to
when manufacturing gels?
During the production of gels, each batch is accompanied by regular measurements and strict quality control points, the entire process is documented and traceable for each product from production to use.
We do not offer the cheapest solution on the market, but reliability where risk minimization is not a promise, but a manufacturing principle.
Where does the risk actually arise during use?
The greatest exposure occurs
after opening the product and during its use.
The risk of infection does not arise from a single mistake, but from small steps in your daily routine. Therefore, reducing the risk is primarily a matter of use and replacement cycles.
Did you know that it is recommended to use an opened bottle of gel for 30 days?
Multiple uses from the same bottle
The more patients the same bottle is used for, the more opportunities there are for microorganisms to enter.
Contact with skin or the environment
The tip of the bottle may touch the patient's skin, gloves, or examination surface, from which pathogens may enter the gel.
Gel residue on the bottle spout or cap
The remaining gel can be an ideal medium for bacteria to colonize.
Refill bottles used for a long time, rarely replaced
A long usage cycle increases the number of openings and environmental exposure, which poses an increasing risk.
Improper storage
In warm, humid, busy environments, microorganisms can survive and multiply more easily.
Limitations of the preservative
The preservative in the gel
is not a disinfectant.
What do conscious institutions do differently?
Institutions that consciously manage the risk of infection do not introduce new rules or increase administration. They simply intervene where the risk actually arises: in everyday use.
What they are consistent in
They don't strive for perfection, but for control
- They pay attention to the use of gels, avoiding risks that increase infection
- They pay attention to the expiration date of the gel – a bottle that has been opened cannot be used for more than 30 days
- The expiration date is indicated on the bottle.
- The replacement cycle is adjusted to the daily patient flow.
- They choose a package that fits the institutional operation
Risks cannot be eliminated, only minimized. This is where the issue of infection becomes a question of use.
The goal is to:
- the gel’s lifespan should be transparent
- after opening, the 30-day usage period should be controllable
- reduce the level of exposure
Why does packaging matter?
The risk of infection depends not only on what you use, but also on how and for how long. The packaging directly affects: how long a gel is in use, how many times a bottle is opened, how many patients it comes into contact with and how transparent the replacement cycle is. Regular disinfection and/or replacement of the refill bottle spout of the 5 liter product.
These are all usage factors that can be controlled and reduce the risk of infection.
Why the 5 liter package in an institutional environment?
In a busy office, packaging is not a logistical detail, but a matter of economy.
It works well where:
- more tests are performed daily
- Continuous availability is important
- high patient turnover and cost-effectiveness are important
- fits into institutional traffic
economical, yet does not remain in use for an unnecessarily long time
The 5 liter
Ultrasound Gel is designed for institutional use
Who is it not ideal for?
The 5-liter package is not primarily intended for occasional, infrequent use. With low patient traffic, a different package may be more appropriate. This is also part of the conscious choice.
To places where:
- more patient examinations are performed daily
- continuous availability is important
at the same time, controlled, conscious use is expected
What you can expect in everyday use:
- economical solution for high patient traffic
- supports the development of a transparent exchange cycle
- reduces the number of bottles used for an unnecessarily long time
- fits well into routine, continuous work
It does not promise sterility. It does not replace hygiene protocols. However, it helps reduce exposure from everyday use.
The 5-liter package works well if the goal is not just to ensure refillability, but also to consciously manage usage and the replacement cycle.
It is recommended for institutions where, in addition to economic considerations, patient safety is also of paramount importance.
Who do we recommend the 5 liter Ultrasound gel for?
The 5-liter Ultrasound Gel is not intended for occasional use. We recommend it to healthcare professionals who value regular use, patient safety, and controlled operation.
If control and patient safety are important to you in your daily practice, the 5-liter Ultrasound Gel offers a stable solution in an institutional environment.
For doctors and professionals
- who perform multiple ultrasound, ECG or other contact gel examinations on a daily basis
- for whom it is important that the gel is always available
and who want to reduce the risks arising from use in addition to routine tasks
The 5-liter packaging supports continuous work while helping you manage the usage cycle more consciously.
Frequently asked questions about the use of ultrasound and contact gels
Is the 5 liter ultrasound gel a sterile product?
No.
5L ultrasound gels are non-sterile products, therefore the method of use plays a key role in reducing the risk.
Non-sterile ultrasound gels should not be used for invasive examinations (e.g. vaginal ultrasound, rectal ultrasound, catheterization, etc.).
When is it necessary to use sterile gel?
Typical cases when sterile gel is appropriate:
-
Invasive ultrasound examinations
(e.g. transvaginal, transrectal, intraoperative ultrasound)
-
In examinations involving wounds or damaged skin
-
In ultrasound performed in a sterile surgical environment
-
In examinations of newborns and premature babies, where the risk of infection is particularly high
-
When using instruments close to internal body cavities
What are the infection risks associated with using the gel?
- multiple bottle openings
- gel residue on the nozzle
bottles used for a long time
How often should I replace the refill bottle?
If possible, use a new refill bottle after opening each 5 liter bottle.
Is it enough to disinfect the bottle spout?
It can help, but it doesn’t solve everything on its own.
The replacement cycle and usage time are at least as important.
How long should a bottle be kept in use?
We recommend that you do not use the opened product for more than 30 days after opening.
Why is the 5 liter package good for institutional environments?
Because it is economical and constantly available.
Can the gel be used if it contains bubbles?
Yes, but this may degrade the image quality.
What other packaging options are available besides the 5 liter one?
Ultrasound and contact gels are available in a variety of packaging, typically in smaller bottles and also in medium-sized versions of 20 gr, 260 ml, 500 ml and 1000 ml.
These may be useful for:
- lower patient traffic
- occasional or infrequent use
- mobile examinations
However, for institutional, daily use, the 5-liter package provides the best balance between economy and adequate control.
When is it worth choosing a smaller package?
A smaller package may be appropriate if:
- low daily patient volume
- infrequent contact gel testing
- easy portability is important
- or only occasional use in a given room
The conscious decision is not to “always go for the biggest”, but to choose the one that best suits your traffic and usage.
I have a professional question, who can I call?
Please call our colleague on working days between 9:00-17:00 +36 30 350 2927
UltraGél’s products do not promise miracles – but they provide predictable quality, controllable use, and conscious risk management in everyday healthcare practice.
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Operating company:
- Company name: MJ Medical AG
- Head office: 8702 Zurich, Seestrasse 49
- E-mail: enquiries@mjmedical.com
Mobile: +44 (0)1872 226 770