The FAST and extended FAST examinations

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2015 Source:Colombian Journal of Anesthesiology Author(s): Jorge Andrés Giraldo-Restrepo , Theider Jovany Serna-Jiménez The ultrasound is a useful, timely, and accessible tool to guide emergency patient care. A systematic search was conducted in the following databases: Pubmed, Medline, SciELO, and Lilacs using the keywords ultrasonography, trauma, hemoperitoneum, and abdominal injury. The main purpose of this review was to provide clear objectives and concepts on how to perform the FAST and FAST extended examinations properly, emphasizing the techniques that should be used and the appropriate ultrasonography windows. Photographs taken by the authors are included. From this review, it can be concluded that there is enough evidence to recommend performing this procedure, with proven sensitivity and specificity ranging from 73 to 99%.
Source: Colombian Journal of Anesthesiology - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research