Purpose of FAST Exam
- Early detection of internal abdominal bleeding.
- Assessment of fluid in the pericardial sac.
- Expediting medical decisions in critical cases.
- Reducing the need for CT scans in unstable patients.
A critical emergency diagnostic procedure designed to detect internal bleeding and fluid around the heart or abdomen, enabling rapid life-saving decisions and immediate surgical intervention for trauma patients.
Scientific name: Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST)
A bedside ultrasound protocol used to screen for free fluid in the peritoneal or pericardial cavities following trauma, helping clinicians determine the immediate need for emergency surgery.