eFAST examination
Pronunciation: ee-fast
Also written as: eFAST — extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma
Extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma, including cardiac evaluation.
Full Definition
The eFAST (extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) examination is an ultrasound protocol that includes evaluation of the heart, abdomen, and chest for free fluid, pneumothorax, and hemothorax. In emergency cardiology, the cardiac component focuses on detecting pericardial effusion and assessing cardiac activity in trauma patients or those with undifferentiated shock. The cardiac views include subxiphoid and parasternal long-axis windows to evaluate for pericardial fluid and gross cardiac function. eFAST has become a standard tool in emergency departments for rapid assessment of critically ill patients, particularly those in cardiac arrest where it can help identify reversible causes such as cardiac tamponade or massive pulmonary embolism.
Usage
Usage note: Write as eFAST or EFAST; spell out full form on first use.
In Context
- "eFAST examination revealed a large pericardial effusion with signs of tamponade." — Emergency ultrasound report
- "The eFAST was negative for pericardial fluid and showed good cardiac contractility." — Trauma evaluation documentation