Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Pod Gel as a Low-Cost Alternative to Commercial Acoustic Gel

Abstract

Ultrasound is an essential diagnostic tool in medicine. However, a commercial acoustic gel is cost-prohibitive, especially in low-resource settings. In this study, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) pod gel was evaluated as a low-cost alternative to commercial acoustic gel by comparing the sonographic image quality, organoleptic characteristics, spreadability, pH, viscosity, and ease of use of commercial gel and formulated okra pod gel (OPG). Fresh okra pods were harvested from a local plant nursery. OPG was prepared by mixing okra pods with water and cooking the mixture on medium heat. OPG and commercial gel were physically evaluated and randomly swabbed to different surfaces of a human tissue-mimicking phantom to obtain sonographic images. Five experienced sonologists rated the sonographic images based on image quality parameters. OPG had optimal appearance, texture, homogeneity, and pH value. OPG had higher spreadability but lower viscosity compared to commercial acoustic gel. No significant difference was reported in the image quality parameters between the gels used. Acceptability of OPG in terms of ease of use was the same as that of commercial gel. However, the sonologists reported that compared to commercial gel, OPG did not evaporate easily during the sonographic procedure. Based on the evaluation, OPG is feasible as a low-cost alternative to commercial acoustic gel. Further clinical trials employing actual patients are recommended to increase the validity of the study results.