Homemade, low-cost ultrasound phantoms for ultrasound-guided procedures: a survey-based comparative analysis.

Abstract

Purpose: There is growing demand for ultrasound-based minimally invasive procedures, such as biopsy, aspiration, and tube drain. Homemade ultrasound (US) phantoms provide a simple, low-cost method for training young radiology residents. We aimed to compare and finally prescribe low-cost recipes of a US phantom model utilizing available ingredients, providing homogenous images and is stable in our hot, humid weather.

Methods: Five recipes with different ingredients and concentrations were used during five workshops. All participants were asked to fill out a survey assessing the stability, visibility of targets, homogeneity, and persistence of air-filled tracks. Solid and cyst-like targets were used for training and were included in the survey.

Results: Our findings demonstrate that model 3 (1 cup of gelatin powder per 2 cups of cornflower) and model 5 (7 tablespoons of gelatin powder per 4 tablespoons of mucil) yielded the best phantoms in terms of stability and visibility of targets. Model 5 provided the best homogeneity (no layering), but it was the most expensive. Animal tissue within US phantoms was not suitable for recurrent use after 24 h.

Conclusions: Gelatin-based homemade US phantom models were useful in training young radiologists. The best mixture was gelatin and mucil (in a 7:4 ratio), followed by gelatin and cornflower (in a 1:2 ratio).