Transmissiveness of ultrasound through tap water, glycerin, and mineral oil.

Transmissiveness of ultrasonic energy through large volumes of tap water, glycerin, and mineral oil was studied to determine whether there was a meaningful difference in the liquids' capability to allow energy transfer from the transducer to the receiver (patient). The experimental design was intended to simulate clinical conditions in which immersion techniques would be used. There were statistically significant differences (p > .01) in energy transfer among each of the liquids at each intensity and each distance. Significant differences (p > .05) in temperature changes occurred in each of the liquids and at each intensity.