TFAST / AFAST Scan

Category: science

Targeted, rapid ultrasound protocols used to screen the thorax and abdomen for free fluid or air in emergency scenarios.

AFAST (Abdominal Fast Assessment) and TFAST (Thoracic Fast Assessment) are focused triage tools. Rather than a full, detailed organ study, the clinician scans four specific target zones to rapidly diagnose internal bleeding (hemoperitoneum), lung trauma, or chest fluid accumulation.

Common Examples

• The emergency doctor completed an immediate AFAST scan on the hit-by-car canine, tracking free fluid in the hepato-renal interface.
• Utilizing rapid TFAST scans completely eliminates the stress of force-positioning a dyspneic animal for standard chest x-ray lines.