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Trauma, Vol. 10, No. 2, 93-101 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1460408608090919

Focused assessment with sonography for trauma: the FAST scan

M. Christie-Large

Department of Radiology, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation Trust, Bristol Road South, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 2AP, UK, mcl{at}doctors.org.uk

D. Michaelides

Department of Radiology, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Birmingham, B29 6JD, UK

SLJ James

Department of Radiology, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation Trust, Bristol Road South, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 2AP, UK, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Birmingham, B29 6JD, UK

Focused assessment with sonography for trauma or focused abdominal sonography for trauma — the FAST scan, has become a useful modality for the initial evaluation of patients with blunt abdominal trauma. The technique is used to identify free fluid in the abdomen and pelvis and to detect the presence of a pericardial effusion. FAST can be performed by any trained individual, not necessarily a sonographer or radiologist, aiding in the immediate availability of this technique in the emergency situation. We will discuss the applications and sensitivity of this technique in trauma and review the potential pitfalls and limitations which need to be understood if this technique is to be safely applied. The use of FAST for the detection of pneumothoraces in trauma and other advances in FAST scanning, such as scoring systems and paediatric FAST are also reviewed.

Key Words: FAST • blunt abdominal trauma • sonography • trauma


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