Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is a limited ultrasound examination used for identifying the presence of free intraperitoneal or pericardial fluid.
Comparison of Options for Assessment[edit | edit source]
| DPL | FAST | CT Scan | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Rapid/Intermediate | Rapid | Rapid | |
| Transport/Transfer | Not Required
Can be Conducted in an Operating Theatre |
Not Required | Transfer Required | |
| Sensitivity | High | High? - Operator Dependent | High | |
| Specificity | Low | Intermediate | High | |
| Eligibility | All Patients if Suspected Injury and No Radiology Available
Contraindications:
|
All Patients | Haemodynamically Stable - Takes Time |
In patients with traumatic injury, free fluid is usually due to haemorrhage and contributes to the assessment of the circulation
Glossary
DPL: Diagnostic Peritoneal lavage,
FAST: Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma
CT Scan: Computerised Tomogram Scan.