Can a quick ultrasound spare kids from unnecessary CT scans after a belly injury?

NCT ID NCT05910567

Recruiting now Diagnosis Sponsor: University of California, Davis Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether a bedside ultrasound (called FAST) can safely reduce the number of CT scans in children who have suffered a blunt injury to the belly. About 4,300 children will be randomly assigned to get either the FAST exam or standard care without it. The goal is to see if the ultrasound can help doctors decide which kids truly need a CT scan, lowering radiation exposure while still catching serious internal injuries.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) examination (abdominal ultrasound)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could show that a quick bedside ultrasound can safely replace many CT scans in children with belly injuries, reducing radiation exposure and speeding up care.
What could go wrong: This is a large trial, but the ultrasound might miss some injuries, leading to delayed diagnosis. Also, results may vary across hospitals and not change practice everywhere.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ABDOMEN INJURY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Abdomen, Acute Abdominal Injuries injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ABDOMEN INJURY ABDOMEN, ACUTE ABDOMINAL INJURY BLUNT TRAUMA TO ABDOMEN WOUNDS AND INJURIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
RECRUITING

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States
Emory University Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
RECRUITING

Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
RECRUITING

Columbus, Ohio, 43205, United States
University of California, Davis Medical Center
RECRUITING

Sacramento, California, 95817, United States
University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Center and Children's Hospital Colorado
RECRUITING

Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
RECRUITING

Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.