SonoPath’s hacked Phantom Mold recipe for ultrasound practice.
The phantom is formed using water, unflavored Knox gelatin, sugar-free Metamucil (Sugar-free Metamucil is used because it contains psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid fiber, which is an excellent scattering agent. When mixed with gelatin, it has a better echo texture than plain gelatin and
it is opaque).
Preparation of the container: Spray the interior surfaces of your mold with a small amount of a non-stick product or line with plastic wrap. To make the phantom mixture, dissolve 8 packets of gelatin (4 packets come in each box, so pick up several) in 2 cups of cold water. Let stand 1 minute. Next add 4 cups of boiling water (microwave in glass pyrex measuring cup is the easiest) and add 4 tablespoons of the sugar free Metamucil. Continue to whisk or stir the mixture until the gelatin is completely dissolved; try not to whip air into the mixture. When all powders are completely dissolved pour into your desired mold. You may have mixture left over, or may need more depending on the size mold you use. Put it in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours and monitor for firmness. Add your “targets” grapes, strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, etc. into the semi-solidified mold; some items will sink more than others. If everything sinks it is not yet firm enough to add targets, if you go to add a grape and it bounces back at you it is too firm; re-do. 🙂 Refrigerate another 3-6 hours for optimum firmness. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. *DO NOT INGEST!* Gross! 🙂