FAST is an acronym which stands for “Focused Assessment for Sonography in Trauma. It has gone through some name changes over the years to include the Focused Abdominal Exam….etc however, the word “Assessment” was deemed more appropriate with the Cardiac window included.
Multiple windows were performed originally however, there are four (4) primary windows to consider in addition to the Right and Left hemothorax views.
While there is no specific order of performing the exam, the clinical data obtained may suggest when to begin. Often times however, the cardiac window is initially performed.
RUQ is #2
LUQ is #3
Pelvic window is #4 Let us examine each individual window
The subcostal view ideally contains four chambers. Pericardial effusion may appear as a large fluid collection or a thin stripe around the pericardium. Ideally a phased array or microconvex transducer facilitates the view.
Morrison pouch is the “potential space” bordered by glissons capsule and gerota’s facia
Often referred to as the “money shot” as the RUQ or Morrison’s pouch view is one of the more likely areas of fluid collection. Free fluid will appear as anechoic and generally has sharp borders. Scan superiorly from this coronal view to evaluate for right sided hemoperitoneum. Look for fluid collections at the diaphragm and inferior to and around the kidney
Often the most difficult view to obtain. Look for fluid collections at the diaphragm and inferior to and around the kidney. Scan superiorly from this view to evaluate for Left sided hemoperitoneum.
Often the most difficult view to obtain. Look for fluid collections at the diaphragm and inferior to and around the kidney. Postero-axillary line transducer placement As on the right side, scan superiorly from this plane to evaluate for left sided hemoperitoneum.
Rare that the paracolic gutters have isolated fluid collections.
Rare that the paracolic gutters have isolated fluid collections.
Rare that the paracolic gutters have isolated fluid collections.
Rare that the paracolic gutters have isolated fluid collections.
Rare that the paracolic gutters have isolated fluid collections.
Rare that the paracolic gutters have isolated fluid collections. Examine in both transverse and longitudinal planes. Does not matter which one is first.
Rare that the paracolic gutters have isolated fluid collections. Examine in both transverse and longitudinal planes. Does not matter which one is first.
Rare that the paracolic gutters have isolated fluid collections. Examine in both transverse and longitudinal planes. Does not matter which one is first.