Parker Aquaflex® Ultrasound Gel Pad | 2 cm × 9 cm Standoff | 04-02

Parker Aquaflex® Ultrasound Gel Pad — 2 cm × 9 cm Disposable Standoff | REF 04-02

Aquaflex® Ultrasound Gel Pads from Parker Laboratories provide a flexible 2 cm × 9 cm acoustic standoff for diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound when direct transducer contact or conventional liquid gel alone does not provide the desired interface.

Unlike ordinary ultrasound transmission gel, Aquaflex creates a defined physical space between the ultrasound transducer and the skin. Its solid-but-flexible aqueous construction shapes itself over small joints, bony prominences, and other irregular surfaces while cushioning sensitive treatment or scanning areas.

Parker's current instructions say that Aquaflex is suitable for near-field visualization and for ultrasound on difficult anatomical surfaces. The pad is disposable, nonsterile, and intended for external use on intact, unbroken skin. 

Aquaflex at a glance

What Is an Ultrasound Standoff Pad?

A conventional ultrasound gel primarily removes air from the interface between the transducer and the skin.

Aquaflex performs an additional function: it creates a physical standoff between the transducer and the surface being examined or treated.

This is especially useful when the anatomy of interest is close to the skin surface or when the treatment head cannot make uniform contact because the surface is small, curved, or irregular.

Aquaflex remains solid enough to maintain its shape while flexing to follow irregular anatomy. Parker specifically describes it for difficult-to-visualize and near-field areas. 

When Is Aquaflex Useful?

Instructions specifically identify Aquaflex for diagnostic procedures involving the anterior gallbladder, breast, carotid artery, neonatal head, subcutaneous masses, testicles, and thyroid, as well as other procedures requiring near-field visualization. The instructions additionally describe its use for comfortable scanning or therapeutic treatment over irregular surfaces such as bony prominences and small joints.

That makes Aquaflex particularly relevant when the problem is not simply a lack of coupling gel but the geometry of the treatment or imaging surface.

Aquaflex vs. Ordinary Ultrasound Gel

Aquasonic 100 Ultrasound Transmission Gel is the more conventional Parker coupling medium for routine diagnostic or therapeutic ultrasound that does not require a standoff.

For clinicians who prefer a colorless, fragrance-free conventional gel, see Aquasonic CLEAR Ultrasound Gel.

Aquaflex vs. Sterile Aquasonic 100

These products solve different problems.

Do not select Aquaflex simply because it is individually packaged. Aquaflex is nonsterile.

When a procedure specifically requires sterile ultrasound coupling medium, use Sterile Aquasonic 100 Ultrasound Transmission Gel instead. FDA GUDID and Parker's current Aquaflex IFU both identify 04-02 as nonsterile.

Does Aquaflex Require Additional Ultrasound Gel?

Usually, no.

Aquaflex requires no additional gel except in prolonged procedures. Only gentle, even pressure is normally required to maintain the interface. 

This sets Aquaflex apart from conventional ultrasound procedures, which require a liquid coupling medium to be applied directly between the treatment head and the skin.

For information about why conventional therapeutic ultrasound requires adequate acoustic coupling, see our US Pro 2000 Ultrasound FAQ & Troubleshooting Guide.

Why Use a Disposable Standoff Pad?

A reusable standoff would require appropriate cleaning or reprocessing between uses.

Aquaflex is intended for one use and disposal. This eliminates reuse of the same gel pad from one procedure or patient to another and avoids the need to clean and store the pad for subsequent use.

FDA records specifically mark the product as single-use, while Parker describes its disposable format as helping address cross-contamination concerns. 

Important: Aquaflex Is Nonsterile

Aquaflex should not be confused with sterile ultrasound gel or a sterile procedure barrier.

The FDA identifies the 04-02 device as not packaged sterile, and Parker's current instructions specify external use on intact, unbroken skin. Please discard the pad if its package is damaged or shows any signs of contamination. 

Paraben Allergy Warning

Do not use Aquaflex on patients with a known history of skin allergies to parabens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aquaflex the same as ultrasound gel?

No. Aquaflex is a solid, flexible aqueous ultrasound standoff pad. Conventional ultrasound gel is a viscous liquid applied between the transducer and skin.

What size is the Aquaflex pad?

Parker specifies 2 cm × 9 cm for REF 04-02.

How many pads are in a box?

There are 6 disposable pads per manufacturer box.

How many pads are in a case?

A manufacturer's case contains six boxes, for 36 total pads.

Is Aquaflex reusable?

No. FDA and Parker identify Aquaflex as a single-use disposable device. 

Is Aquaflex sterile?

No. REF 04-02 is nonsterile.

Can Aquaflex be used over broken skin?

No. Parker's current IFU specifies external use only on intact, unbroken skin. 

Does Aquaflex require ultrasound gel?

Normally no. Parker states that additional gel is generally unnecessary except during prolonged procedures.

Why is a 2 cm standoff used?

A standoff increases the physical distance between the ultrasound transducer and the skin surface, making Aquaflex useful when near-field structures or irregular anatomy are difficult to evaluate or treat with direct transducer contact.

Can Aquaflex be used for therapeutic ultrasound?

The product is for both diagnostic scanning and therapeutic treatment, particularly over sensitive or irregular surfaces. Use it only when compatible with the ultrasound device and clinical protocol. 

Can Aquaflex be used over small joints?

Yes. Current instructions specifically mention small joints and bony prominences as examples of irregular surfaces for which the flexible standoff may be helpful.

How should Aquaflex be stored?

Current instructions state that Aquaflex should be protected from direct sunlight. Follow the labeled storage conditions on the package. 

Where can I find compatible ultrasound equipment?

Browse our Therapeutic Ultrasound Equipment & Combination Therapy Systems.

Professional-use notice: Follow the instructions supplied with the ultrasound equipment and the current Parker Aquaflex IFU. Aquaflex is nonsterile, single-use, and intended for external application on intact, unbroken skin. Do not use it in patients with a known history of skin allergies to parabens.