Cassava flour slurry as a low-cost alternative to commercially available gel for obstetrical ultrasound: a blinded non-inferiority trial comparison of image quality

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the quality of ultrasound images obtained with cassava flour slurry (CFS) compared with conventional gel in order to determine objectively whether CFS could be a true low-cost alternative.

Design: Blinded non-inferiority trial.

Setting: Obstetrical ultrasound unit in an academic medical centre.

Population or sample: Women with a singleton pregnancy, undergoing anatomy ultrasounds.

Methods: Thirty pregnant women had standard biometry measures obtained with CFS and conventional gel. Images were compared side-by-side in random order by two blinded sonologists and rated for image resolution, detail and total image quality using a 10-cm visual analogue scale. Ratings were compared using paired t-tests. Participant and sonographer experience was measured using five-point Likert scales.

Main outcome measures: Image resolution, detail, and total image quality. Participant experience of gel regarding irritation, messiness, and ease of removal.

Results: We found no significant difference between perceived image quality obtained with CFS (mean = 6.2, SD = 1.2) and commercial gel (mean = 6.4, SD = 1.2) [t (28) = -1.1; P = 0.3]. Images were not rated significantly differently for either reviewer in any measure, any standardized image or any view of a specific anatomic structure. All five sonographers rated CFS as easy to obtain clear images and easy for patient and machine cleanup. Only one participant reported itching with CFS.

Conclusions: CFS produces comparable image quality to commercial ultrasound gel. The dissemination of these results and the simple CFS recipe could significantly increase access to ultrasound for screening, monitoring and diagnostic purposes in resource-limited settings.

Funding: This study was internally funded by our department.

Tweetable abstract: Low-cost homemade cassava flour slurry creates images equal to commercial ultrasound gel, improving access.

Keywords: Global health; low-resource settings; ultrasound image quality; ultrasound media.