How to make your own low-cost ultrasound model to practice IV access – Sinai EM

Materials

Materials to build a DIY homemade low-cost ultrasound model for intravenous access — Materials to build a DIY homemade low-cost ultrasound model for intravenous access

Shallow plastic container x 2
Pipes, different sizes (Suction tubing, oxygen tubing, plastic cover for needles)
Metal screw or nail
Some waterproof glue or glue gun
Beef gelatin 150g + warm tap water 800ml + Rubbing alcohol 50ml
Hand mixer
Spoon or strainer
Cooking oil

Making the mold

Make holes to both sides of the container to pass the tubings through and through (I used a hot screw for this)
Pass the pipes and seal the holes, I used the glue gun for this.

Ultrasound IV model - pierce the tubes through the side of the mold, and seal with glue gun — Pierce the tubes through the side of the mold, and seal with glue gun

Mix the gelatin, warm water and rubbing alcohol; handheld mixer for 1 min works perfectly
Remove as many bubbles as you can from the surface with a strainer or spoon
Rub the pipes with cooking oil
Put the gelatin mix in the container and into the fridge for a few hours

ultrasound IV model - Rub cooking oil in the tubes and pour the gelatin mix. Now to the fridge! — Rub cooking oil in the tubes and pour the gelatin mix. Now to the fridge!

Once the gelatin is firm, remove the pipes from the container. You might have to fight a little bit with the glue.
Place the gelatin mold into a new plastic container (same size) and submerge it in cold tap water, try to get all the air bubbles out of the pipe holes and get them filled with water.

ultrasound IV model - remove the pipes and transfer the model to a new container with water.jpg — Once the gelatin is firm, remove the pipes and transfer the model to a new container with water

Try it, it’s very simple and cheap. See how it works! Also, read this guide on how to practice ultrasound guided intravenous lines

Sabrina Rodera Zorita