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](https://sinaiem.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ultrasound-IV-model-materials-1024x768.jpg)
- 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 Ultrasound IV model - pierce the tubes through the side of the mold, and seal with glue gun](https://sinaiem.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ultrasound-IV-model-tubes-on-the-side-of-the-mold-1024x768.jpg)
- 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! ultrasound IV model - Rub cooking oil in the tubes and pour the gelatin mix. Now to the fridge!](https://sinaiem.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ultrasound-IV-model-rub-oil-in-the-tubes-and-pour-the-gelatin-mix-768x1024.jpg)
- 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 ultrasound IV model - remove the pipes and transfer the model to a new container with water.jpg](https://sinaiem.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ultrasound-IV-model-remove-the-pipes-and-transfer-the-model-to-a-new-container-with-water-768x1024.jpg)
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