What is FAST exam?
What is FAST exam?
The focused assessment with sonography for trauma, or FAST, is a limited bedside ultrasound examination that seeks to quickly detect free intraabdominal fluid or cardiac complications. The extended FAST, or E-FAST, expands the examination to assess for pneumothorax.
How is a FAST exam performed?
The FAST exam most commonly uses the subxiphoid (AKA subcostal) view to assess the pericardial space. To obtain this view, place the transducer just inferior and to the patient’s right of the xiphoid process. Yes, you read that correctly – to the right of the xiphoid process.
Why is a FAST exam done?
Indications for FAST include evaluation of the torso for free fluid suggesting injury to the peritoneal, pericardial, and pleural cavities, particularly in cases of trauma. FAST examination may be used to evaluate the lungs for pneumothorax.
Who invented FAST exam?
The term Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) was coined by Rozycki et al [10] in 1996 and has persisted as the accepted acronym for the trauma ultrasound evaluation.
What is a negative FAST exam?
A negative FAST Exam does not have adequate sensitivity (especially in blunt Trauma) to reassure. A negative FAST Exam should not dissuade CT Abdomen or exploratory surgery in Abdominal Trauma.
What does a FAST exam look at?
The FAST exam evaluates the pericardium and three potential spaces within the peritoneal cavity for pathologic fluid. The right upper quadrant (RUQ) visualizes the hepatorenal recess, also known as Morrison’s pouch, the right paracolic gutter, the hepato-diaphragmatic area, and the caudal edge of the left liver lobe.
What is a fast us?
The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the United States from Canada and Mexico.
How long should a FAST exam take?
The E-FAST examination should be completed in < 5 minutes. The pericardial sac is evaluated first, especially after penetrating trauma, because pericardial fluid after trauma can be immediately life-threatening and supersede treatment of other injuries.
What is a FAST exam for ultrasound?
Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) scan is a point-of-care ultrasound examination performed at the time of presentation of a trauma patient.
What probe is used for FAST exam?
The probe of choice is a phased array probe, as it can achieve adequate penetration while obtaining intercostal windows. If present, a curvilinear probe can also be used for the abdominal portion of the exam.
What is the FAST exam used for?
The FAST exam is performed after the primary survey. It can be performed in conjunction with ongoing resuscitative efforts. It is indicated when evaluating for the presence of intraperitoneal or pericardial blood in the setting of acute thoracoabdominal trauma.
What are the benefits of the fast examination for trauma?
The FAST examination has also been shown to reduce the need for diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL), with one prospective study of 194 patients reporting a reduction from 9% (17 of 194) to 1% (two of 194) ( 19 ). Probe selection in the evaluation of the trauma patient is dependent on what is the main focus of the examination.
What are the indications for a fast procedure?
The primary indications for performing a FAST are blunt or penetrating trauma, trauma in pregnancy, or hypotension of unclear etiology. A FAST helps determine which patients require emergent laparotomy and which can be monitored or await slower, more definitive studies. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
What is the fast ultra-sound examination?
The FAST ultra- sound examination is a proven and useful procedure for the evaluation of the torso for bleed- ing after traumatic injury, particularly blunt trauma, but it may also be helpful in penetrating injury. The examination has been shown to be both sensitive and specific in the identification of free intraperitoneal fluid.
