# FAST: Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma

- Link: https://sifsof.com/clinical-apps/fast-focused-assessment-with-sonography-in-trauma/
- Published: 2019-09-09T13:49:23+00:00
- Author: Monica

**The Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST)** is a **point-of-care
ultrasound** examination performed at the time of presentation of a trauma patient.

It is an ultrasound protocol developed to identify intraperitoneal free fluid (assumed
to be hemoperitoneum in the context of trauma) allowing for an immediate transfer
to theater, CT or other.

###  **Which ultrasound scanner for Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma? **

 The 2 MHz to 5 MHz curvilinear (or abdominal) probe is used for the eFAST exam 
to eliminate delays when switching between transducers. However, the phased array(
or cardiac) probe is effective as well, particularly with parasternal windows. Likewise,
the 5 MHz to 12 MHz linear (or vascular) probe is ideal for assessing for pleural
sliding. Making the [SIFULTRAS-3.31](https://sifsof.com/product/color-doppler-3-in-1-wireless-ultrasound-scanner-sifultras-3-31/)
the device of choice in FAST exams.

The use of ultrasound device (US) in trauma has expanded to identifying a variety
of traumatic injuries: hemoperitoneum, pneumothorax, hemothorax, hemopericardium
with or without tamponade, traumatic hypovolemia, and even rib, nose, and other 
fractures! The convex head helps you to quickly detect free intraabdominal fluid
and the cardiac head shelps you to quickly detect any cardiac complications that
may occur.

The extended FAST, or E-FAST, expands the examination to assess for pneumothorax.
The primary indications for performing a FAST are blunt or penetrating trauma, trauma
in pregnancy, or hypotension of unclear etiology.

A FAST using the wireless portable color doppler double head ultrasound scanner 
helps determine which patients require emergent laparotomy and which can be monitored
or await slower, more definitive studies.

The philosophy behind the FAST examination is that fluid will pool in the most dependent
areas.

As a result, the FAST examination includes 3 views that can detect pooled blood (
red lines) and one to evaluate the heart: the hepatorenal recess, the perisplenic
view, the subxiphoid pericardial window, and the suprapubic window.

The linear 7.5 – 10 MHz probe is effective as well, particularly with parasternal
windows. Likewise, it is ideal for assessing for pleural sliding.

The implementation of point of care ultrasound has significantly impacted the evaluation
and treatment of patients.

Ultraspund have considerable advantages, including their bedside availability, ease
of use, and reproducibility. Furthermore, it is non-invasive, employs no radiation
or contrast agents, and is inexpensive.

The use of ultrasound to detect intraperitoneal fluid was first described its use
decreases time to surgical intervention, patient length of stay, and rates of Computed
tomography (CT) and Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL).

 Focused assessment with sonography in trauma (commonly abbreviated as FAST) is 
a rapid bedside ultrasound examination performed by [surgeons](https://sifsof.com/product-category/doctor-specialties/surgeon/),
[emergency physicians](https://sifsof.com/product-category/doctor-specialties/emergency-medicine-specialist/),
and certain paramedics as a screening test for blood around the heart (pericardial
effusion) or abdominal organs (hemoperitoneum) after trauma

![](https://sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/trauma-FAST-1.jpg)

 * ![Color Doppler 3 in 1 Wireless Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-3.31 main](https://
   sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SIFULTRAS-3.31-main-picture-300x300.jpg)
 * Color Doppler 3 in 1 Wireless Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-3.31
 * ![Wireless 3 in 1 Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-3.3 Triple Headed: Convex, Linear
   and Cardiac Probe main pic](https://sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/SIFULTRAS-
   3.3-main-picture-1-300x300.jpg)
 * 3 in 1 Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-3.3 Triple Headed: Convex, Linear and Cardiac
 * ![wireless ultrasound scanner](https://sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/
   SIFULTRAS-5.42-double-head-wireless-ultrasound-300x300.webp)
 * Color Double Head Wireless Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-5.42 FDA

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 _Although the information we provide is used but doctors, radiologists, medical
staff to perform their procedures, clinical applications, the Information contained
in this article is for consideration only. We can’t be responsible for misuse of
the device nor for the device suitability with each clinical application or procedure
mentioned in this article.
Doctors, radiologists or medical staff must have the 
proper training and skills to perform the procedure with each ultrasound scanner
device.