Comparison of Patient Satisfaction Using Heated Versus Room Temperature Ultrasound Gel

ED physicians who identify that a patient will require an ultrasound will page the ultrasound team as part of standard of care. At that time, an investigator will obtain verbal consent from the patient and provide an information sheet to help explain study details/answer any questions. The patient will then be randomized to either warmed gel or room temperature gel. Investigators will handle the gel using a heat-resistant glove (ULine Terry Cloth Glove) to maintain blinding to the gel temperature. A bedside ultrasound study will then be performed by emergency physicians not otherwise involved in the study using the study gel. Immediately upon ultrasound completion, the patients will complete a satisfaction survey. The images from the study will be saved and subsequently reviewed by an emergency physician with fellowship training in ultrasound to score image quality from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18-89 years
• Patients require bedside ultrasound

Exclusion criteria

• Patients under age 18
• Patients over age 89
• Pregnant women
• Altered mental status
• Incarcerated
• Military basic trainees
• Primary language other than English
• Patients with open or broken skin over areas requiring ultrasound gel application