Parker Polysonic® Ultrasound Lotion | Standard & Aloe Vera

Parker Polysonic® Ultrasound Lotion — Standard & Aloe Vera

Parker Laboratories Polysonic® Ultrasound Lotion is a nonsterile, water-soluble acoustic coupling lotion for medical ultrasound procedures where a lotion texture is preferred over a conventional viscous ultrasound gel.

Its rich, moisturizing base allows the transducer to glide smoothly and keeps acoustic coupling across the wide range of frequencies used by medical ultrasound equipment. The lotion format also makes Polysonic particularly well suited to physical therapy and rehabilitation workflows in which manual work or massage may follow therapeutic ultrasound. 

Choose traditional Polysonic or Polysonic with Aloe Vera, with package sizes ranging from an 8.5 oz treatment room dispenser to Parker's four-gallon POLYPAC system.

Polysonic Sizes & Parker Product Numbers

Important: The 21-28 and 20-28 gallon configurations include a refillable dispenser, but the dispenser pump is not part of the package. The pump is included with the 21-50 and 20-50 POLYPAC configurations.

Why Choose an Ultrasound Lotion Instead of Gel?

Polysonic's most significant difference is its lotion base.

A conventional ultrasound gel is designed primarily to create and maintain an acoustic interface between the transducer and skin. Polysonic serves the same coupling role but uses a smoother, moisturizing lotion consistency that may integrate more naturally into rehabilitation and manual-treatment workflows.

If a traditional viscous gel is preferred, compare Parker's Aquasonic 100 Ultrasound Transmission Gel.

Polysonic vs. Aquasonic 100

Both products are manufactured by Parker Laboratories, but they solve slightly different workflow preferences.

Neither should be considered universally “better.” The meaningful difference is handling and clinical workflow, not a claim of superior ultrasound treatment.

For Parker's conventional gel formats, see Aquasonic 100 Ultrasound Gel.

Polysonic vs. SCAN Ultrasound Gel

SCAN and Polysonic address different preferences.

Choose Polysonic when the lotion format matters. Choose Parker SCAN Ultrasound Gel when a less-viscous ultrasound gel is preferred.

Standard Polysonic vs. Polysonic with Aloe Vera

The product family is available in both a standard formulation and an aloe vera version.

Choose between the formulations based on product preference rather than assuming the Aloe formulation changes the required ultrasound technique.

Current instructions still advise against using either formulation on a patient with a known history of skin allergy to parabens. 

Which Polysonic Size Should I Choose?

8.5 oz / 250 mL — 21-08 or 20-08

The 8.5 oz dispenser is the most practical choice for individual treatment rooms, portable ultrasound equipment, and facilities with modest ultrasound-lotion consumption.

It eliminates the need to maintain a bulk refill system.

1 Gallon — 21-28 or 20-28

The gallon format is designed for higher-volume facilities.

Each gallon is supplied with a refillable dispenser bottle, but Parker specifically notes that the dispenser pump is not included with the gallon configuration. 

POLYPAC — 21-50 or 20-50

POLYPAC is Parker's complete bulk-refill system.

Each POLYPAC includes:

• four one-gallon containers;

• two refillable dispensers; and

• one dispensing pump.

The Aloe version, REF 20-50, uses the same package concept as Polysonic with aloe vera. 

Important Infection-Control Information

Polysonic and Polysonic with Aloe Vera are non-sterile products.

Current instructions specify their use on intact, unbroken skin where cross-contamination is of minimal concern. The refill products—20-28, 20-50, 21-28, and 21-50—are intended for appropriate low-risk patients and procedures in non-acute-care facilities.

Polysonic should not be substituted for a sterile ultrasound coupling medium during procedures requiring sterile gel.

When sterile coupling media are indicated, see Sterile Aquasonic 100 Ultrasound Transmission Gel.

How Should Polysonic Refillable Dispensers Be Managed?

Bulk lotion should be handled as a controlled refill system rather than continually topping off a partially used bottle.

Follow current instructions and your facility's infection-control protocol. Refillable dispensers should be emptied before refilling, appropriately cleaned and thoroughly dried, and have the bottleneck and dispensing tip disinfected. Parker also instructs users to record the bulk-container lot information and refill date and to replace refillable dispensers according to the prescribed schedule. 

Do not use damaged or contaminated dispensing containers.

Can Polysonic Be Used for Therapeutic Ultrasound?

Yes. Polysonic is a multipurpose ultrasound couplant and recommends it for ultrasound procedures where a lotion is preferred.

Always follow the instructions supplied with the ultrasound equipment and the current Parker IFU.

For treatment systems, browse therapeutic ultrasound equipment.

Why Is a Coupling Medium Necessary?

Ultrasound treatment requires an appropriate acoustic interface between the transducer and the treatment surface.

Our US Pro 2000 Ultrasound FAQ & Troubleshooting Guide explains the role of coupling media and why air gaps can interfere with ultrasound transmission.

Is Polysonic the Same as Electrode Lotion or Electrode Gel?

No.

Polysonic is specifically sold as an ultrasound coupling lotion. Electrical stimulation, ECG, EMG, and related applications can have different requirements for conductive media.

For electrical-contact products and an explanation of the differences, browse our Conductive Gels, Lotions & Contact Media or read the SignaGel vs. Electrode Gel guide.

Polysonic Frequently Asked Questions

Is Polysonic a gel or a lotion?

Polysonic is an ultrasound lotion. Its lotion texture is one of the primary reasons to choose it instead of a conventional viscous ultrasound gel.

Is Polysonic sterile?

No. Both standard Polysonic and Polysonic with aloe vera are nonsterile.

Can Polysonic be used on broken skin?

No. Current instructions specify application to intact, unbroken skin and provide additional restrictions for invasive and higher-risk procedures. 

What is the difference between 21-28 and 21-50?

REF 21-28 is one gallon of standard Polysonic with a refillable dispenser. The dispenser pump is not included.

REF 21-50 is the complete POLYPAC containing four gallons, two refillable dispensers, and one pump.

What is the difference between 20-28 and 20-50?

The same distinction applies to the aloe vera formulation. REF 20-28 is one gallon with a refillable dispenser but no pump; REF 20-50 contains four gallons, two dispensers, and one pump.

Does Polysonic contain formaldehyde?

Polysonic contains no formaldehyde. 

Is Polysonic bacteriostatic?

Yes. Both formulations are bacteriostatic. "Bacteriostatic" should not be interpreted as "sterile."

Can Polysonic be used for massage after therapeutic ultrasound?

The lotion formulation is specifically positioned for situations in which a lotion is preferred and for massage-oriented clinical workflows. Its moisturizing texture can provide continuing manual glide when it fits the healthcare professional's treatment workflow.

Does the one-gallon Polysonic include a pump?

No. The gallon includes a refillable dispenser, but Parker specifies that the pump is not included.

Which Polysonic package includes the pump?

The 21-50 POLYPAC and 20-50 Aloe POLYPAC each include one pump along with four gallons and two refillable dispensers.

Can I continually top off a Polysonic refill bottle?

No. Follow current refill and infection-control instructions rather than adding new lotion to a partially used dispenser.

Product-use notice: Polysonic Ultrasound Lotion and Polysonic with Aloe Vera are nonsterile medical ultrasound coupling products. Follow the current Parker instructions, ultrasound equipment instructions, and applicable facility infection-control procedures. Use only on intact, unbroken skin in the applications described by the manufacturer.