Accuracy of Focused Abdominal Sonography for Trauma (FAST)
This chapter provides a summary of a landmark study in trauma surgery. It deals with focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST). How accurate is surgeon-performed ultrasound to assess hemoperitoneum and pericardial fluid in trauma patients? Starting with that question, it describes the basics of the study, including funding, year study began, year study was published, study location, who was studied, who was excluded, how many patients, study design, study intervention, follow-up, endpoints, results, and criticism and limitations. The chapter briefly reviews other relevant studies and information, gives a summary and discusses implications, and concludes with a relevant clinical case regarding when FAST might be applicable in a trauma situation.