FAST Scan

Ultrasound G.E.L. Podcast

Want to learn more? Take a listen to a review of the literature!

Cardiac Bahner Video
Aorta Slides

Introduction

Indications

Acquisition

Views

1. Perihepatic (RUQ)

2. Pericardial/Subxiphoid (SUX)

3. Perisplenic (LUQ)

4. Pelvic

Position

Supine

Probe

Curvilinear or phased array probe

1. Perihepatic Window (Right Upper Quadrant View)

The Moves

Normal

Identify spaces that free fluid collects

2. Pericardial Window (Subxiphoid View)

The Moves

3. Perisplenic Window (Left Upper Quadrant View)

The Moves


Helpful tip: place your knuckles on the bed as fanning too anterior may cause stomach gas to obscure your view!

Fluid filled stomach can get misinterpreted as free fluid in LUQ


4. Pelvic Window (Posterior Cul de Sac View)

The Moves


Recommended depth: 12 cm

Helpful tip: start low in the pelvis

Male transverse

Male sagittal

Limitations

False Negatives

False Positives

Cases

Cast 1: 32 y f with BP 50/30 and syncope. This is her ultrasound. Cause?

Click to see answer to case 1

Ruptured ectopic. There is 2.5L of blood in abdomen