Aquasonic® 100 Ultrasound Transmission Gel — Parker Laboratories

Parker Aquasonic 100 Ultrasound Gel for Diagnostic & Therapeutic Ultrasound

Aquasonic® 100 Ultrasound Transmission Gel from Parker Laboratories is a thick, water-soluble gel that helps maintain good acoustic contact between an ultrasound transducer and intact skin.

Parker describes Aquasonic 100 as acoustically optimized across the range of frequencies used in medical ultrasound and compatible with commercially available ultrasound devices. The current formulation is blue, aqueous, bacteriostatic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing, paraben-free, and formaldehyde-free. Its non-drip viscosity helps the gel remain at the scanning or treatment site while allowing the transducer to move smoothly. 

Choose among five configurations depending on treatment volume and infection-control workflow.

Why Choose Aquasonic 100?

Aquasonic 100 has been associated with medical ultrasound since Parker Laboratories introduced its first medical ultrasound gel in 1958. Instead of being a generic skin lubricant, this formulation is specifically designed to transmit ultrasound energy through the transducer-to-skin interface.

Key characteristics

• Acoustically correct across medical ultrasound frequencies

• Compatible with commercially available ultrasound equipment

• Viscous, non-drip consistency

• Completely aqueous

• Water-soluble for cleanup

• Non-staining

• Designed not to damage compatible transducers

• Bacteriostatic

• Hypoallergenic

• Non-sensitizing

• Non-irritating

• Paraben-free

• Formaldehyde-free

Current SDS describes Aquasonic 100 as a viscous, clear-blue aqueous gel with a slight fragrance and pH of approximately 6.50–6.95.

For a broader explanation of ultrasound coupling media versus electrical electrode gels, see our SignaGel vs. Electrode Gel guide rather than duplicating that discussion here.

Which Aquasonic 100 Size Should I Choose?

The formulation is not the main difference between these configurations. The important purchasing question is how much gel is needed per location and how it will be dispensed between patients.

20 g single-use packettes — 01-20

Choose the 20 g packettes when individual dispensing is more important than the lowest possible cost per ounce.

The Parker 01-20 packettes are nonsterile but single-use. Parker's current packette IFU specifically positions them for settings where cross-contamination is a concern and instructs users to discard each packette after use. 

They are particularly useful for:

• Treatment carts

• Mobile providers

• Individual procedure setups

• Facilities seeking to avoid sharing an open multi-use bottle between patients

• Kits that benefit from a premeasured portable supply

Important distinction

01-20 is nonsterile.

It should not be confused with Parker's separately packaged Sterile Aquasonic 100, REF 01-01. The sterile product is individually overwrapped and sterilized and is a separate product configuration. 

60 g Doppler-size tube — 01-02

The compact 60 g tube is the easiest Aquasonic 100 size to carry with portable equipment.

It makes sense for:

• Portable ultrasound equipment

• Doppler equipment used according to its manufacturer's instructions

• Mobile therapists

• Small treatment rooms

• Occasional ultrasound procedures

• Backup or travel kits

Best reason to choose it

Maximum portability without opening a single-use packet for every application.

0.25 L / 250 mL dispenser — 01-08

The quarter-liter dispenser is a practical everyday size for clinics that use ultrasound regularly but do not need a large refill container.

It provides substantially more gel than the 60 g tube while remaining convenient to store beside a treatment unit.

A balanced treatment-room size for recurring ultrasound use.

1 Liter with dispenser cap — 01-34

The 1-liter bottle is well suited to departments consuming ultrasound gel frequently.

Purchasing by bottle volume alone misses an important distinction: a larger multi-use container is still subject to the hygiene and patient-selection precautions in Parker's current IFU.

Higher clinic consumption without moving to a bulk refill system.

5 Liter SONICPAC — 01-50

The 5-liter SONICPAC is the bulk configuration and includes a refillable dispenser.

It is intended for facilities that consume enough ultrasound gel to justify refilling a smaller treatment-room bottle rather than continually replacing individual dispensers. 

However, Parker's 2026 IFU adds an important purchasing qualification: refill containers and refillable dispensers such as REF 01-50 are intended for low-risk patients and procedures in non-acute-care facilities. Facilities should consult their policy before establishing a refill program. 

Economical bulk supply for an appropriate low-risk, non-acute-care refill workflow.

Aquasonic 100 Size Comparison

Single-Use vs. Multi-Use Aquasonic 100: The Important Difference

This distinction deserves more attention than it receives on most marketplace listings.

Single-use IFU permits the nonsterile packet in several patient groups where cross-contamination is a concern but still excludes invasive procedures and procedures on or near broken skin. 

Multi-use IFU is more restrictive: the standard multi-use containers are for intact, unbroken skin in settings where cross-contamination is of minimal concern.

This makes package format a clinical workflow decision, not merely a question of which container has the lowest cost per ounce.

How should the 5-liter Aquasonic SONICPAC be refilled?

Instructions provide unusually specific guidance for refillable dispensers.

Before adopting a bulk-refill workflow, the facility should consult its policy. Parker instructs users to

1. Empty or dispose of the remaining gel rather than topping off a partially full bottle.

2. Wash refillable containers with hot soapy water.

3. Rinse and dry them thoroughly.

4. Clean the bottle neck and dispensing tip with isopropyl alcohol or a hospital-grade disinfectant before filling.

5. Refill only the corresponding labeled dispenser.

6. Record the bulk container's lot number.

7. Discard cracked or damaged bottles.

8. Please mark and replace refillable bottles according to facility policy; Parker recommends discarding refillable bottles approximately every month.

This guideline is an important reason not to treat a 5-liter refill as simply a larger squeeze bottle.

Aquasonic 100 vs. TheraSonic Ultrasound Gel

We carry both products, but they are useful for somewhat different purchasing preferences.

TheraSonic is also formulated for broad ultrasound frequencies and is sold in 2 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz, and 5-liter formats. 

Choose Aquasonic 100 when Parker standardization, a 1-liter dispenser, or single-use nonsterile packettes are priorities.

Choose TheraSonic Ultrasound Gel from Balego when the Richmar ecosystem or 8 oz/16 oz bottle sizes better fit the treatment room workflow.

Neither comparison implies superior clinical outcomes; it is a packaging, formulation, and workflow comparison.

Aquasonic 100 vs. Aquasonic Clear

Both products are Parker medical ultrasound coupling gels, but they are not visually identical.

Aquasonic Clear is based on the same general Aquasonic platform but without color or fragrance.

Is Aquasonic 100 the Same as Electrode Gel?

No.

Aquasonic 100 is specifically an ultrasound transmission medium. Its job is acoustic coupling.

Products such as SignaGel Electrode Gel and Spectra 360 Electrode Gel are intended for electrical or physiological-signal applications.

For the detailed modality comparison, use our existing SignaGel vs. Electrode Gel article.

Can Aquasonic 100 Be Used With 1 MHz or 3 MHz Therapeutic Ultrasound?

Yes, when the ultrasound device's instructions call for a conventional water-soluble coupling gel.

Aquasonic 100 is designed to work well with all medical ultrasound frequencies, and its current IFU states that it can be used with commercially available ultrasound devices. 

This makes Aquasonic 100 appropriate for common therapeutic ultrasound equipment operating at frequencies such as 1 MHz or approximately 3 MHz, provided that the ultrasound system manufacturer's instructions are followed.

Browse our Therapeutic Ultrasound Equipment for compatible equipment options.

Can Aquasonic 100 Be Used With a Doppler?

Aquasonic 100 is an ultrasound coupling gel, and Parker specifically describes the compact 60 g configuration as the Doppler-size tube.

Use it only as directed by the Doppler manufacturer and applicable clinical protocol.

Can Aquasonic 100 Be Used With a Gel Warmer?

When the ultrasound and warmer instructions permit warmed gel, Aquasonic can be used within an appropriate ultrasound gel-warming workflow.

We carry the TM-1 Electric Lotion & Ultrasound Gel Warmer for clinics that prefer warmed coupling media.

Do not use improvised heating methods or exceed temperature limits established by the equipment instructions.

Is Aquasonic 100 sterile?

No, there isa separate product called Sterile Aquasonic 100, REF 01-01, packaged in individually sterilized overwrapped foil pouches.

If a procedure requires sterile coupling gel, use a product specifically labeled sterile rather than substituting the standard Aquasonic 100 bottles or 01-20 packettes.

Can Aquasonic 100 Be Used on Broken Skin?

The current Parker instructions for the standard multi-use product say no.

The manufacturer states that multi-use Aquasonic should not be used on or near broken skin, a fresh surgical site, or an open wound and should not be used for invasive procedures where a device passes through tissue.

The nonsterile 01-20 single-use packettes also exclude procedures on or near broken skin and invasive procedures. 

Use a procedure-appropriate sterile product when sterility is required.

Does Aquasonic 100 Contain Propylene Glycol?

Parker's current IFU specifically warns against using its ultrasound gel on patients with a known sensitivity to propylene glycol, because an allergic reaction may occur. 

This warning is more useful than broadly assuming that a product described as “hypoallergenic” is suitable for every individual.

Aquasonic 100 Technical Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aquasonic 100 used for?

Aquasonic 100 is an ultrasound transmission gel used to establish acoustic contact between an ultrasound transducer and the patient. Parker identifies it for diagnostic and therapeutic medical ultrasound.

Who manufactures Aquasonic 100?

Aquasonic 100 is manufactured by Parker Laboratories, Inc., Fairfield, New Jersey.

Why is Aquasonic 100 blue?

The traditional Aquasonic 100 formulation is clear blue. Parker also manufactures Aquasonic Clear for applications or facilities that prefer an ultrasound gel without added color or fragrance.

Is Aquasonic 100 water-soluble?

Yes, the product is completely aqueous and water-soluble.

Will Aquasonic 100 stain clothing?

Aquasonic 100 is non-staining and formulated not to damage compatible ultrasound transducers. 

Is Aquasonic 100 hypoallergenic?

The product is hypoallergenic, non-sensitizing, and non-irritating. Its current IFU nevertheless says not to use the product in patients with a known sensitivity to propylene glycol. 

Is Aquasonic 100 paraben-free?

Yes, current product information identifies Aquasonic 100 as paraben-free.

Does Aquasonic 100 contain formaldehyde?

Current product information identifies the formulation as formaldehyde-free. 

Is the 20 g Aquasonic 100 pack sterile?

No. REF 01-20 is nonsterile and single-use.

Sterile Aquasonic 100 is a different product, REF 01-01.

Which Aquasonic 100 size is best for a physical therapy clinic?

For a treatment room using therapeutic ultrasound regularly, the 250 mL or 1-liter dispenser is usually the most practical starting point.

The 5-liter SONICPAC makes more sense where usage is high enough to support a properly managed bulk-refill program and the patient/procedure population falls within Parker's current instructions.

Which Aquasonic 100 size is best for portable ultrasound?

The 60 g, Doppler-sized tube is the most portable reusable container.

The 20 g single-use packettes may be preferable when individual-use packaging is the higher priority.

Can Aquasonic 100 be used instead of electrical stimulation gel?

Do not assume so.

Aquasonic 100 is specifically formulated for ultrasound transmission. For compatible electrical stimulation or physiological monitoring applications, select an electrical contact medium such as Spectra 360 Electrode Gel or SignaGel when the equipment instructions call for it.

Does the 5-liter Aquasonic 100 come with a dispenser?

Yes. Parker identifies REF 01-50 as a 5-liter SONICPAC with a refillable dispenser. 

Choosing Aquasonic 100

Choose 20 g single-use packettes when individual dispensing and reducing shared-container use are priorities.

Choose the 60 g tube for portable ultrasound and Doppler equipment.

Choose the 250 mL dispenser for everyday treatment room use.

Choose the 1-liter dispenser for higher-volume clinic use without establishing a refill program.

Choose the 5-liter SONICPAC when a properly managed bulk-refill workflow fits Parker's current low-risk/non-acute-care instructions.

For a direct alternative with different bottle-size options, compare TheraSonic Ultrasound Gel.

For ultrasound equipment itself, browse Balego Therapeutic Ultrasound Equipment.

For additional ultrasound coupling and conductive-media options, browse Balego Conductive Gels, Lotions & Contact Media.

Product-use notice: Package format and sterility are not interchangeable terms. Follow the current Aquasonic 100 instructions, the ultrasound-device instructions and facility infection-control policy. Standard Aquasonic 100 multi-use containers and REF 01-20 single-use packettes are nonsterile; select a product explicitly labeled sterile when the procedure requires sterility.