The End of the "Gel-Era?": Meet POCUS Spray, the Irish Innovation Transforming Ultrasound

For over 40 years, ultrasound examinations have shared one universal constant: the messy, cold, and sticky blue gel. While effective at transmitting sound waves, traditional gel brings a host of hidden headaches, from clinical waste and laundry costs to infection control risks and time-consuming clean-ups.

But the "Gel-Era" might be finally meeting its match. Developed right here in Ireland, POCUS Spray is a revolutionary, water-based coupling agent designed to streamline point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and move medical imaging into a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Developed by Ecco Spray Ltd at the Galway Innovation District and supported by Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI), POCUS Spray is a testament to Irish MedTech ingenuity. Recently named a winner of the HIHI GreenTech in Health Call 2025, this product isn't just a new consumable; it’s a total rethink of clinical workflow.

The transition from gel to a fine-mist spray offers several game-changing advantages for clinicians and patients alike:

1. "Just Spray and Scan" Workflow

Traditional gel requires a multi-step process: apply, scan, wipe the patient, wipe the probe, and even changing the patient’s gown if residue gets on it

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With POCUS Spray, you simply spray the area and begin. The patented formulation evaporates naturally within approximately 5 minutes, leaving zero residue. No paper towels, no sticky mess, and no downtime.

2. Superior Infection Prevention

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently highlighted the risks of infection outbreaks linked to contaminated multi-use gel bottles. POCUS Spray addresses this head-on:

• No Nozzle Contact: The spray is applied from 10-15 cm away, eliminating nozzle-to-skin contact.

• No Shared Tips: Smaller 50ml bottles can be used as personal-use items for clinicians, simplifying IPC compliance.

3. A Massive Win for Sustainability

The environmental impact of traditional ultrasound is surprisingly high. POCUS Spray helps hospitals align with Net-Zero targets by:

• Reducing Volume: Using roughly 7 times less volume than gel per exam.

• Cutting Waste: Reducing clinical waste (plastic sachets and paper towels) by up to 90%.

• Recyclable Packaging: Bottles are made from recyclable HDPE plastic.

4. Device Agnostic & High Performance

Worried about image quality? Independent testing and pilots at Tallaght University Hospital and University Hospital Galway have validated that POCUS Spray produces equal quality medical images to traditional gels. It is device-agnostic, meaning it works seamlessly with everything from high-end cart systems (GE, Philips, Siemens) to the latest handheld devices like Butterfly iQ and Clarius.

Innovation often comes with a premium price tag, but POCUS Spray is designed to be cost-effective. A single new 250ml bottle can support nearly 100 examinations, whereas the same volume of gel typically only covers 12. When you factor in the saved staff time and the elimination of paper towel costs, the switch becomes an easy financial decision for departments.

As healthcare systems globally look for ways to become more efficient and environmentally conscious, POCUS Spray offers a simple, Irish-made solution that hits every target.

Ready to ditch the gel? Visit here to learn more, view clinical case studies, or request a trial for your department.

POCUS Spray is a CE-marked Class I Medical Device, manufactured by Ecco Spray Ltd and distributed by Cardiogenics Ltd.