Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
FAST exam
Also written as: FAST — Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma
Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma - bedside ultrasound examination for detecting internal bleeding.
Full Definition
FAST exam is a rapid bedside ultrasound examination used in emergency and trauma settings to detect the presence of free fluid (blood) in the abdomen and pericardium. The examination focuses on four key areas: the right upper quadrant, left upper quadrant, pelvis, and pericardium. It is a critical tool in trauma assessment that can be performed quickly by emergency physicians and surgeons to guide immediate surgical decision-making.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize all letters when referring to the specific examination protocol.
In Context
- "The FAST exam was positive for free fluid in the pelvis." — Trauma assessment documentation
- "A negative FAST exam does not rule out solid organ injury." — Clinical guideline documentation
Also known as
trauma ultrasound
bedside ultrasound
Don't confuse with
eFAST
cardiac echo