FAST Scan in Pokhara — Trauma Ultrasound

What is a FAST scan?

A FAST scan (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) is a rapid, bedside ultrasound examination used when someone has been injured. Instead of taking detailed pictures of individual organs, it looks for free fluid — most worryingly blood — collecting in four key areas: around the liver and right kidney, around the spleen and left kidney, in the pelvis, and around the heart. Fluid shows up on ultrasound as a dark stripe between tissue layers and can be spotted within minutes.

The examination is called 'focused' because it answers one urgent question: is there internal bleeding that needs immediate action? It does not show every injury, and it does not replace a full clinical assessment, but it gives treating doctors immediate information at a critical moment. At KDRC it is performed on the same HD ultrasound used for our routine ultrasound examinations.

Why do doctors order a FAST scan?

After accidents — road traffic incidents, falls from height or heavy blows to the chest and abdomen — the most dangerous hidden risk is internal bleeding. Doctors order a FAST scan when they need to know quickly whether blood or fluid has collected around the heart, lungs or abdominal organs. The result helps them decide between continued observation, further imaging such as CT, or immediate referral for surgical care.

Common situations in which a FAST scan is requested include:

• blunt injury to the abdomen or chest after a road accident or serious fall;
• unexplained low blood pressure, dizziness or worsening abdominal pain after an injury;
• a rapid check of the heart and abdomen before an injured patient is transferred to another hospital;
• repeated monitoring of a patient whose condition may be changing, since the scan uses no radiation and can be safely repeated;
• assessment of injured children and pregnant women, when the treating doctor considers it necessary.

Because the scan uses sound waves rather than radiation, it adds no radiation risk and is often one of the first imaging choices after serious injury.

A seriously injured person should go to the nearest hospital emergency department, where a FAST scan is part of the trauma assessment. KDRC performs FAST scans when a doctor requests one, for example after a fall or minor accident when the patient is stable, or before transfer.

How much does a FAST scan cost in Pokhara?

At KDRC, a FAST scan costs Rs. 1,500. Rates are for Nepali citizens during regular service hours and may be revised. Call 061-553538 or 9856077433 (Viber) to confirm the price and preparation before your visit. See the full KDRC price list.

Understanding your results

A FAST scan reports whether free fluid is seen in any of the four areas. A positive scan means fluid — which after injury is most often blood — is present, and the treating doctor will act quickly; this may mean repeat scanning, a CT scan, referral or surgery. A negative scan means no fluid was seen. It does not completely rule out internal injury, because some injuries bleed slowly or into places the FAST scan cannot see, so doctors sometimes repeat the scan after a few hours.

At KDRC, the images are reviewed by consultant radiologists and a written report is prepared. Take the report straight back to the doctor who requested it.

Why choose KDRC for a FAST scan in Pokhara?

• Consultant radiologists: studies are reported by our consultant radiologists, Dr. Bishworaj Bastakoti and Dr. Nawaraj Paudel, both NMC-registered radiologists since 2016 and members of the Nepal Radiologist Society. Meet them on our doctors page.
• HD ultrasound with colour Doppler and 3D/4D/5D volume imaging on the same system.
• Further imaging on site: a 192-slice CT scanner for a detailed look when a FAST scan is not enough, and a 24-hour ambulance.
• Central location: Shantipath, Amarsingh Chowk, Pokhara-10. Ultrasound services run any day of the week; call to confirm a time.