Indications for the use of<unk>  are determining the severity of trauma to the midsection, determining immediate trauma or penetration of the heart, and to process sources and extent of internal bleeding. Specific implementations vary, some areas use the German originated FAST scan system which focuses on fluids in the paracolic gutter and the Douglas, Koller's and Morison's pouch. Others focus more on cardiac ultrasounds. As a part of the FAST exam, it is common for the examiner to quickly image the sliding lung against the chest wall to rule out pneumothorax. If the visceral and parietal lung have separated, the lung sliding will disappear indicating a probable pneumothorax. If lung sliding is seen, there is no significant pneumothorax. This simple addition to the FAST exam can accurately identify lung collapse in only 1 additional minute. This Enhanced FAST exam is often called EFAST. To be able to exclude a pneumothorax fast and accurate can<unk> vent trauma victims from receiving an unnecessary chest tube. Another useful indication is assessing intravascular volume by looking directly at the inferior vena cava (IVC). While studies have largely not supported its use as a singular indicator of intravascular volume, in the correct clinical picture the diameter of the IVC can help a practitioner determine a patient's overall fluid status. Cardiac imaging can give the provider a sense of ejection fraction and heart function but in the setting of<unk><unk>  evaluation is primarily used to discover life-threatening pericardial tamponade caused by rapidly accumulating blood around the heart. Patients with pulmonary embolism can have a markedly enlarged right ventricle during the event, giving additional clues to the provider for correct diagnosis and treatment. As time goes on, it is likely that there will be dozens of additional indications for field use.
Pre-hospital ultrasound
Home ultrasound
Portable ultrasound
Point-of-care genetic testing
Diagnostic medical sonography
Emergency ultrasound
Cardiooncology
Assessment of kidney function