title: An Inexpensive and Easy Ultrasound Phantom: A Novel Use for SPAM.
abstract: Ultrasound models, commonly referred to as "phantoms," are simulation tools for ultrasound education. Commercially produced phantoms are available, but there are "homemade" alternatives such as raw poultry and gelatin molds. Precooked, processed meat, better known as SPAM (Hormel Foods Corporation, Austin, MN), can be used as an ultrasound phantom to teach several ultrasound applications. It is a versatile, hygienic, and easily manipulated medium that does not require refrigeration or preparatory work and can be easily discarded at the end of use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia, South Carolina USA lanolting@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nolting
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia, South Carolina USA.
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia, South Carolina USA.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia, South Carolina USA.
authors.forename: Barton
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Douglas
mesh_terms: D040761:Biomimetic Materials; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D008461:Meat Products; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation*
keywords: abscess; foreign bodies; homemade ultrasound phantom; medical education; simulation; ultrasound; vascular access