What kind of paper is used for Ultrasound Printing?
Ultrasound Thermal Paper, also known as Video Printer Paper or Sonography Paper, is a type of thermal coated synthetic paper used to print out real-time images of internal body structures captured using high frequency soundwaves. The process of capturing the image is known as Ultrasound (AKA Sonography, Ultrasonography & Echography).
How many types of Ultrasound Paper are there?
Ultrasound Thermal Paper consists of 3 different grades:-
Standard, High Density and High Glossy.
Standard and High Density consists of back coat, yupo paper, thermal coat and overcoat.
Whereas High Glossy consists of yupo paper, thermal coat, overcoat, gross coat and head cleaning coat, to ensure longer image durability with a polished finishing.
What are the sizes?
Our Ultrasound Paper is available in these sizes:
| Standard (Type I) | High Density (Type II) | High Glossy (Type V) |
| 84MM X 13.5M | 110MM X 20M | 84MM X 12.5M |
| 110MM X 20M | 210MM X 20M | 110MM X 18M |
| 210MM X 20M |
How long can Ultrasound images last?
Ultrasound image durability is dependent on the type of paper used and the storage condition. Under proper storage conditions, the image printout on High Glossy Ultrasound Paper could last 10 years at a minimum, whereas for Standard and High-Density Ultrasound Paper, the image could last 7 years at a minimum.
Ultrasound Paper Comparison
Each manufacturer has their own formula for producing Ultrasound Paper, hence different quality and durability. There are two simple ways of quality testing: the grey scale dynamicity and wetfold.
Grey scale
Grey scale comparison is necessary to exhibit the tonal shade of the image and plays a critical role for clinical diagnostic purposes. Since subtle shades of the grey tones indicate different densities, it is important to have a wide range of grey tones for the best possible/optimal image transfer from the screen onto the paper. Indeed, the goal is to generate an image that is as realistic as possible and is representative of the depicted anatomy. To know more of why the grey tones is important, read why 15 shades of grey is important for ultrasound printout.
Wetfold
Given the archival requirement of medical records to provide good continuity of care, it is crucial for a patient’s medical record to be able to withstand the test of time so that these records remain durable and legible in years to come. Wetfold is used to test the paper resistance to the element. Ultrasound Paper has a high possibility of contact with ultrasound gel and may cause issues such as smudge, and damage to paper.
Some comparison between our company and other manufacturers can be found below.
Standard Ultrasound Paper Manufacturer Comparison
Grey scale comparison
| Tele-Paper | Premium / O Grade | Middle Range Grade |
| Precise gradation & very close to “O” Grade | Precise gradation & very close to Tele-Paper grade | The narrow gradation affects the image reproduction quality |
| Clearer & Sharper Image reproduction | Clearer & Sharper Image reproduction | Unable to achieve the correct tone of the printed image |
| 7 years image durability | 7 years image durability | 3 years image durability |
| Tele-Paper’s price is more competitive compared to “O” Grade |
Wetfold comparison
| No Set Off issue | No Set Off issue | Paper Stick Together, affecting thermal printed image |
| High resistance to water, finger prints and ultrasound gel drops | High resistance to water, finger prints and ultrasound gel drops | Poor water fastness, low resistance to water, finger prints and ultrasound gel drops |
High Density Ultrasound Paper Manufacturer Comparison
Grey scale comparison
| Tele-Paper | Premium / O Grade | Middle Range Grade |
| Precise gradation & very close to “O” Grade | Precise gradation & very close to TELE-PAPER grade | Unable to achieve the correct tone of the printed image |
| Greyish color printout | Greyish color printout | Black color printout causes image to be on the darker color |
| 15 steps of greyscale | 15 steps of greyscale | 12 steps of greyscale – not the same compared to “O” Grade |
| 7 years image durability | 7 years image durability | 3 years image durability |
| Tele-Paper’s price is more competitive compared to “O” Grade | The narrow gradation affects the image reproduction quality |
Wetfold comparison
| No Set Off issue | No Set Off issue | Paper Stick Together, affecting thermal printed image |
| Stronger resistance to water, finger prints and ultrasound gel drops compared to Middle Range Grade manufacturer | High resistance to water, finger prints and ultrasound gel drops | Poor water fastness, low resistance to water, finger prints and ultrasound gel drops |
| Printout image is still clear, bright and detailed | Printout image is still clear, bright and detailed |
High Glossy Ultrasound Paper Manufacturer Comparison
Grey scale comparison
| Tele-Paper | Premium / O Grade | Middle Range Grade |
| Precise gradation & very close to “O” Grade | Precise gradation & very close to TELE-PAPER grade | Unable to achieve the correct tone of the printed image |
| Greyish color printout | Greyish color printout | Black color printout causing image to be on the darker color |
| 15 steps of greyscale | 15 steps of greyscale | 12 steps of greyscale – not the same compared to “O” Grade |
| 10 years image durability | 10 years image durability | 3 years image durability |
| Tele-Paper’s price is more competitive compared to “O” Grade | High glossy, brilliant, photorealistic reproduction | The narrow gradation affects the image reproduction quality |
Wetfold comparison
| No Set Off issue | No Set Off issue | No Set Off issue |
| High resistance to water, finger prints and ultrasound gel drops | High resistance to water, finger prints and ultrasound gel drops | Lower resistance to water, finger prints and ultrasound gel drops |
| Printout image is still clear, bright and detailed | Printout image is still clear, bright and detailed | Faded image |
Ultrasound Paper Manufacturer Comparison Summary
Tele-Paper’s ultrasound paper consists of 15 steps of greyscale – precise gradation – for a clearer and sharper image reproduction.
From the wetfold test, wherein we soaked sonogram specimens of different brands in water and folding them into half; upon extraction from water, it is apparent that the baby’s image printed on our Tele-Paper’s ultrasound paper remains clear, intact and not subject to set-off issue, as good as that of Original grade paper. Our ultrasound paper is carefully designed for enhanced durability and resistance against water, finger prints and ultrasound gel drops, making it ideal for retention of printed image smudge-free.
- Tele-Paper’s Video Printer Paper is very close to “O” Grade
- Middle Range Grade Manufacturer’s greyscale quality is lower than Tele-Paper and “O” Grade as they appear to have more white spots.
- Middle Range Grade Manufacturer has poor water fastness for Standard and HD grade.
Where to buy Ultrasound Paper?
You may buy ultrasounds paper from any medical consumable company near you, but if you are looking to purchase in bulk quantity, it is best to purchase directly from the manufacturer to enjoy more volume discount.
Ultrasound Product Page
Visit our ultrasound thermal paper product page and get a quotation. Our paper is above all compatible grades and the preferred compatible option by healthcare professionals worldwide. We also ship globally. View our ultrasound product page, or contact us to find out more.
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