ToolsCalculators
Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST)
Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST)
Pericardial (subxiphoid) view
Right upper quadrant (perihepatic / Morison pouch)
Left upper quadrant (perisplenic)
Suprapubic / pelvic view
Thoracic views (eFAST - pneumo/haemothorax)
ResultNegative FAST
No free fluid detected. A negative FAST does not exclude injury; repeat or use CT if clinical suspicion persists.
- Positive views
- 0
When to use
- Rapid bedside evaluation for free intraperitoneal or pericardial fluid (and, with eFAST, pneumo/haemothorax) in trauma.
Formula
A FAST is positive if free fluid is identified in any interrogated window (pericardial, perihepatic, perisplenic, pelvic, or thoracic for eFAST).
Pearls and pitfalls
- Most useful to rule IN free fluid in the unstable patient; sensitivity is limited and a negative exam does not exclude injury.
- Serial examinations increase sensitivity as fluid accumulates.