What is the sensitivity of FAST in combat trauma scenarios?

In combat trauma scenarios, the sensitivity of the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam is typically around 85%. The FAST exam is used to quickly assess for free fluid in the abdominal cavity, which may indicate bleeding due to trauma. A sensitivity of 85% means that the test correctly identifies 85% of the patients who do have significant internal bleeding when compared to a gold standard.

This high level of sensitivity is critical in military settings where time is of the essence, and rapid diagnosis can be lifesaving. An 85% sensitivity indicates that while FAST is a useful tool for triaging abdominal injury, it may still miss some cases of injury, particularly in small or subtle tears.

In contrast, choosing a lower percentage, such as 56%, would imply that the FAST exam misses a significant number of cases, which undermines its effectiveness in a combat environment where prompt medical evacuation and treatment are crucial.