RT Book, Section A1 Thierman, Jonathan S. A2 Carmody, Kristin A. A2 Moore, Christopher L. A2 Feller-Kopman, David SR Print(0) ID 56300675 T1 Chapter 9. Ultrasound Evaluation of Peritoneal Fluid T2 Handbook of Critical Care and Emergency Ultrasound YR 2011 FD 2011 PB The McGraw-Hill Companies PP New York, NY SN 978-0-07-160489-5 LK accessanesthesiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=56300675 RD 2024/03/29 AB Bedside ultrasound is an optimal first-line imaging modality for the evaluation of peritoneal free fluid. The "focused assessment with sonography in trauma" (FAST) examination is one of the common applications used in evaluating the patient for free peritoneal fluid from hemorrhage. Ultrasound has been shown to be sensitive and specific for significant hemoperitoneum. Ultrasound has long been accepted as a life-saving tool in the hypotensive trauma patient, but its benefits have expanded beyond this. Bedside ultrasound is now readily used to search for free fluid in the non-traumatic patient and in other disease processes. It can be used to evaluate for free peritoneal fluid in patients with end-stage liver disease, renal disease, or congestive heart failure.