The eFAST exam (Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) is a rapid bedside ultrasound used during trauma resuscitation. It looks for free fluid in the abdomen and pericardium and, in the “extended” part, pneumothorax and hemothorax.
Test your knowledge with the free eFAST quiz.
Key takeaways
- Standard FAST views: RUQ (Morison’s pouch), LUQ, pelvic and subxiphoid cardiac.
- Extended views: bilateral anterior chest for lung sliding.
- Free fluid looks black (anechoic).
- A negative FAST doesn’t rule out injury.
USA eFAST Exam: Quick Facts
- Setting
- Trauma bay / ED
- Views
- RUQ, LUQ, pelvis, heart, both lungs
- Time
- A few minutes
- Key sign
- Absent lung sliding = possible pneumothorax
eFAST Exam Views
| View | Looking for |
|---|---|
| RUQ (hepatorenal / Morison’s pouch) | Free intraperitoneal fluid (most sensitive view) |
| LUQ (splenorenal) | Free fluid |
| Pelvic (suprapubic) | Free fluid in the pouch of Douglas or rectovesical space |
| Subxiphoid / parasternal cardiac | Pericardial effusion or tamponade |
| Anterior chest (both sides) | Lung sliding; absent = pneumothorax |
| Costophrenic angles | Hemothorax |
Free practice test
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Go to the USA eFAST Exam practice test →USA eFAST Exam FAQs
What is the difference between FAST and eFAST?
eFAST adds lung views to detect pneumothorax and hemothorax.
Full answer →Does a negative FAST rule out injury?
No. It can miss retroperitoneal, hollow-organ and small-volume injuries.
Full answer →Official sources
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