creation date: 2025-12-30 18:57
tags: InterventionsIncomplete
Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (eFAST)
Background
Purpose and Indications
Traumatic injury is a leading cause of death and in 80% of cases, mortality is linked to subsequent hypovolemic shock. The eFAST is highly sensitive and specific in detecting intraperitoneal bleeds without need of radiation or contrast agent.
The eFAST is indicated in cases of:
- Blunt and/or penetrating abdominal and/or thoracic trauma
- Undifferentiated shock and/or hypotension (as part of the Rapid Ultrasound for Shock and Hypotension (RUSH) exam)
Equipment
The 2-5 MHz vurvilinear probe (“abdominal probe”) is used for the exam. It is generally preferred to use one probe for the entire exam to avoid switching transducers.
In some cases, the cardiac probe may be preferred.