FAST scan

Question 1

What is a FAST scan?

Answer 1

Focused assessment sonography in trauma: scan performed at bedside, usually by emergency reg or consultant, occasionally trauma reg or consultant (general surgery)

Question 2

Who typically performs the FAST scan?

Answer 2

Emergency Registrar or Consultant, or occasionally the Trauma Registrar or Consultant (Gen Surgery)

Question 3

At what point in trauma assessment is the FAST scan usually performed?

Answer 3

after the secondary survey

Question 4

What are 3 key goals of the FAST scan?

Answer 4

1. Find any intra-abdominal free fluid (most likely to be caused by bleeding)
2. Check for cardiac tamponade
3. Assess lungs

Question 5

What are the 3 key spaces visualised by a FAST scan?

Answer 5

1. Intra-abdominal
2. Intra-thoracic
3. Pericardial

Question 6

When can blood be detected by a FAST scan?

Answer 6

only if >2000ml present

Question 7

When can a smaller volume of blood than >2000ml be detected by a FAST scan?

Answer 7

skilled sonographer in easily visualised (usually skinny person)

Question 8

What are all 7 of the views which can be provided by a FAST scan?

Answer 8

1. Subxiphoid 4 chamber (cardiac)
2. Transthoracic long axis
3. Abdominal and lower thoracic
4. Right coronal and intercostal oblique
5. Left coronal and intercostal oblique
6. Pelvic
7. Anterior thoracic