The Focused Assessment with Ultrasound for Trauma (FAST) examination in emergency medicine
Journal Title: European Journal of Medical Technologies - Year 2017, Vol 15, Issue 2
Abstract
Ultrasonography in the FAST protocol is a non-invasive and rapid examination of the condition of the patient. It is especially useful in asymptomatic patients after abdominal and thoracic injuries. It can be performed in pre-hospital emergency care or at the bedside in the hospital. The sensitivity and specificity of the method for internal injuries is 82% and 95%. The basic FAST examination includes the visualization of four tissue windows, which are evaluated in a few minutes. In selected cases, examination may be extended with additional projections (eFAST). Other diagnostic and life-saving activities can be done simultaneously. The method allows to detect 200 ml of peritoneal fluid and 20 ml of pleural cavity. The examination may be conducted by doctors of different specialties, medical rescuers or nurses. In hemodynamically unstable patients, FAST may be the primary tool of qualifying for surgical intervention. This article summarizes the current knowledge of the FAST protocol as the method more and more commonly used in emergency medicine. The review describes the technique and indication for the FAST exam having regard to its advantages and limitations.
Authors and Affiliations
Marta Piróg, Maciej Putowski, Olga Padała, Anna Orzeł, Igor Sorochynskyy, Artur Wdowiak
Keywords
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