No specific Preparation
Aortic Aneurysm Scan
Major Blood Vessels
Same Day Appointments
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No GP Referral Needed
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Instant Scan Summary
Scan results summary before you leave
Price
£69
Offpeak
£59
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What's included in the Aortic Aneurysm Scan
Detection of Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm using Ultrasound
Having AAA screening cuts the risk of dying from an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by about half
Formal written ultrasound report in 24 hours
Expert Care by HCPC & GMC Clinicians
About the Aortic Aneurysm Scan
An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Scan is a quick, painless ultrasound check designed to measure the width of your main abdominal blood vessel (the aorta).
The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from your heart throughout your body. As we age, the arterial wall can weaken and bulge—a condition known as an aneurysm. Because an abdominal aortic aneurysm rarely presents early warning signs or symptoms, routine screening is essential for early detection. Performed by our expert HCPC-registered healthcare specialists, a private AAA scan provides vital clinical clarity regarding your vascular health with no GP referral needed.
Objective of the scan
Aneurysm Detection: Identifying localized bulges or abnormal expansion along the arterial wall before complications arise.
Vascular Health Baseline: Establishing an accurate baseline measurement to monitor known minor dilations over time.
The aortic scan aims to check the abdominal aorta for signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The aorta is the main artery which runs from the heart, down through the abdomen and supplies blood to the body. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling of the abdominal segment of this blood vessel. An AAA usually causes no symptoms but as the aorta expands its wall becomes weak and may give way. If it bursts this is called a rupture and is extremely dangerous and often fatal. A smaller aneurysm is not dangerous however it can grow and become larger, so it is important to monitor the size.
The abdominal aortic scan is a quick and painless test that is completely safe. It uses sound waves to generate an image of the abdominal aorta on the ultrasound machine which is then measured. The results of the aortic scan are discussed with you immediately following the scan.
In general, if you have an AAA you probably will not feel any symptoms or know you have it. Some people however do experience some signs or symptoms they could have an abdominal aortic aneurysm. These could include abdominal swelling or feeling strong pulsations in your abdomen.
If, however, the aneurysm bursts it is regarded as a medical emergency. An abdominal aortic scan is a screening tool that is a way of detecting if an aneurysm is present in the abdominal aorta and assessing if it needs to be monitored or requires a specialist or urgent attention, allowing treatment before it bursts.
Why choose us for your Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening – AAA Screening
What brought you here?
Pick the closest match. We'll show what the scan looks for and what usually happens next.
What the scan looks for
The widest diameter of the abdominal aorta, measured front-to-back and side-to-side, against the 3.0 cm screening threshold.
What happens next
A verbal result before you leave and a written report within 24 hours giving the measurement, so your GP knows whether surveillance is needed.
What the scan looks for
Aortic diameter along its abdominal length and any localised bulge, wall calcification or clot lining the wall.
What happens next
A written report within 24 hours recording your baseline measurement, which your GP or vascular team can compare against in future.
What the scan looks for
Whether the pulsation comes from a widened aorta, measuring its diameter and checking the wall for irregularity or thrombus.
What happens next
We explain the measurement on the day and report within 24 hours. A diameter of 5.5 cm or more is flagged for prompt vascular referral.
What the scan looks for
The current maximum aortic diameter compared with your previous measurements, to see whether the aneurysm has grown.
What happens next
A written report within 24 hours with the new measurement, sent to you and, if you wish, to your vascular surgeon.
What the scan looks for
Aortic diameter plus plaque and calcification along the aortic wall, the changes linked to smoking and hypertension.
What happens next
A verbal summary on the day and a written report to you within 24 hours, which you can share with your GP.
Please note: This scan measures the abdominal aorta only, so it can't assess the chest portion of the aorta or reliably detect a tear in the wall, and bowel gas occasionally limits the view. A CT angiogram is the test for those. Sudden severe abdominal or back pain with dizziness is a medical emergency and needs 999, not a scan appointment.
Why do I need a Aortic Aneurysm Scan?
An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) rarely causes noticeable early warning signs, meaning it is often only discovered during routine screening or tests performed for other reasons. A private AAA screening scan allows you to proactively assess your vascular risk, access fast diagnostics, and gain vital peace of mind.
Who Should Consider AAA Screening?
An abdominal aortic scan is recommended for individuals with specific risk factors or those seeking fast-track preventative care, including:
Men Aged 45+ & Women Aged 65+: Vascular risk increases naturally as we age.
Family History of Aortic Aneurysms: Having a parent, sibling, or family member with an AAA or peripheral artery aneurysm significantly elevates your risk.
Lifestyle & Cardiovascular Factors: History of smoking, high blood pressure (hypertension), elevated cholesterol, overweight/obesity, or pre-existing heart disease.
Aneurysm Monitoring: Ongoing measurement and surveillance of known aortic dilation or minor arterial bulging.
Recognizing Symptoms & Warning Signs
While most aneurysms develop quietly without obvious symptoms, some individuals may experience subtle indicators.
Possible Early Indicators:
A persistent, throbbing or pulsing sensation in the abdomen
Continuous abdominal pain that does not go away
Persistent lower back pain without a clear musculoskeletal cause
🚨 Medical Emergency Notice:
If an aneurysm bursts (ruptures), it requires immediate emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a ruptured AAA include sudden, severe abdominal or lower back pain, dizziness, pale or clammy skin, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fainting.
Key Benefits of Private AAA Screening
Early Risk Identification: Detects abnormal arterial widening early so it can be safely managed before complications arise.
Zero Waiting Lists: Avoid delays with flexible same-day appointments and instant clinical reassurance.
Fast & Completely Painless: A simple 15-minute ultrasound screening that is completely non-invasive and could ultimately save your life.
Prompt Results: Receive immediate verbal feedback from your clinician during your appointment, followed by a formal written report delivered digitally within 24 hours.
Why do I need a Aortic Aneurysm Scan?
An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) rarely causes noticeable early warning signs, meaning it is often only discovered during routine screening or tests performed for other reasons. A private AAA screening scan allows you to proactively assess your vascular risk, access fast diagnostics, and gain vital peace of mind.
Who Should Consider AAA Screening?
An abdominal aortic scan is recommended for individuals with specific risk factors or those seeking fast-track preventative care, including:
Men Aged 45+ & Women Aged 65+: Vascular risk increases naturally as we age.
Family History of Aortic Aneurysms: Having a parent, sibling, or family member with an AAA or peripheral artery aneurysm significantly elevates your risk.
Lifestyle & Cardiovascular Factors: History of smoking, high blood pressure (hypertension), elevated cholesterol, overweight/obesity, or pre-existing heart disease.
Aneurysm Monitoring: Ongoing measurement and surveillance of known aortic dilation or minor arterial bulging.
Recognizing Symptoms & Warning Signs
While most aneurysms develop quietly without obvious symptoms, some individuals may experience subtle indicators.
Possible Early Indicators:
A persistent, throbbing or pulsing sensation in the abdomen
Continuous abdominal pain that does not go away
Persistent lower back pain without a clear musculoskeletal cause
🚨 Medical Emergency Notice:
If an aneurysm bursts (ruptures), it requires immediate emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a ruptured AAA include sudden, severe abdominal or lower back pain, dizziness, pale or clammy skin, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fainting.
Key Benefits of Private AAA Screening
Early Risk Identification: Detects abnormal arterial widening early so it can be safely managed before complications arise.
Zero Waiting Lists: Avoid delays with flexible same-day appointments and instant clinical reassurance.
Fast & Completely Painless: A simple 15-minute ultrasound screening that is completely non-invasive and could ultimately save your life.
Prompt Results: Receive immediate verbal feedback from your clinician during your appointment, followed by a formal written report delivered digitally within 24 hours.
What we check
The areas examined in one appointment. Open any section for detail.
Major Blood VesselsWhat can the Aortic Aneurysm Scan detect?
Our state-of-the-art ultrasound technology provides high-resolution imaging to evaluate your aortic health:
🩺 Normal Aorta: Confirms a healthy vessel diameter (typically under 3.0 cm in adults) with clear, unimpeded blood flow.
⚠️ Small / Medium AAA (3.0 cm to 5.4 cm): Detects early-stage aortic enlargement that requires periodic monitoring and lifestyle management.
🚨 Large AAA (5.5 cm or greater): Identifies significant aortic bulging requiring prompt specialist referral and surgical review.
🩸 Aortic Wall Atherosclerosis: Pinpoints cholesterol plaque buildup or calcification along the arterial lining.
🌀 Mural Thrombus: Identifies localized blood clot lining along the wall of an enlarged aorta.
Benefits of the Aortic Aneurysm Scan
⚡ Zero Waiting Lists & Same-Day Availability: Avoid lengthy waiting times with flexible appointment slots available 6 days a week, including Saturdays. Simply arrive at your scheduled time with zero queues or delay.
🖥️ 4K High-Definition Precision: Watch your scan in real-time on high-resolution 4K screens. Our state-of-the-art ultrasound technology delivers exceptionally clear imaging of your abdominal aorta for maximum diagnostic accuracy.
🩺 Expert, Compassionate Care: Your scan is conducted by highly experienced, HCPC-registered healthcare specialists who prioritize your comfort, guiding you gently through every step of your vascular check.
📋 Prompt, Direct Results: Receive an immediate verbal overview from your clinician right after your scan, followed by a comprehensive, formal written medical report delivered digitally within 24 hours.
💰 Affordable & Transparent Pricing: Exceptional private healthcare without the premium price tag. Clear, upfront rates with no hidden fees, extra charges, or GP referral costs.
🩸 One-Stop Health Testing: Combine your aortic ultrasound with comprehensive private blood tests (such as Lipid Profiles or Cardiovascular Risk Panels) during the same visit for a complete heart and vascular health assessment under one roof.
📍 Convenient London Location: Situated just a 5-minute walk from Gants Hill Central Line Tube Station with free on-site parking available for hassle-free access.
How to prepare
Arriving with the right preparation is important as failure to do so may result in us not being able to perform the scan.
No preparation needed
- No specific preparation is required for this scan.
On the day
During the scan, you will be asked to uncover the area being scanned, hence we advise to wear suitable loose clothing and a small amount of ultrasound gel will be placed over your skin.
An ultrasound camera (‘probe’) will then be placed on top and moved along and around the area. This results in a picture appearing on the ultrasound monitor and patient TV which will be translated by the clinical specialist/ medical practitioner.
The ultrasound scan itself usually lasts around 10-15 minutes and is pain-free. At the end of the scan, a verbal summary of the results will be provided, as well as your opportunity to ask any questions.
Right after
Your clinician talks you through a verbal summary and answers your questions.
Within 24 hours
A formal written report arrives by email, ready to share with your GP.
If anything needs follow-up
We explain what was seen, the options and who to speak to next.
More about the Aortic Aneurysm Scan
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
The aorta is the main artery which runs from the heart, down through the abdomen and supplies blood to the body.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling of the abdominal segment of this vessel. An AAA usually causes no symptoms but as the aorta expands its wall becomes weak and may give way. If it bursts this is called a rupture and is extremely dangerous and usually fatal. A smaller aneurysm is not dangerous however it can grow and become larger, so it is important to monitor the size.
Approximately 6,000 people in England & Wales die every year from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (source: NHS Abdominal Aneurysm Screening Programme). Around 8 out of 10 people with a ruptured AAA either die before they reach the hospital or do not survive the surgery.
A simple & quick ultrasound scan can detect an aneurysm with instant results. If an aneurysm is found, you will need to be regularly monitored to check it does not get dangerously larger & can be managed by your clinician reducing negative outcomes.
AAA’s are more common in people aged over 65, in particular men. Therefore, this scan is essential for people who fall into this high-risk category.
Who is at Risk for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
You are at an increased risk for an abdominal aortic aneurysm if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
- All men aged 65 years of age or over
- Women aged 70 years or over
- A smoker or previously smoked
- Overweight
- High blood pressure
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- High blood cholesterol
- Cardiovascular disease
- Have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Dangerous?
In a nutshell yes it can be potentially life-threatening if you have a large aneurysm. Approximately 6,000 people in England & Wales die every year from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms and around 8 out of 10 people with a ruptured AAA either die before they reach the hospital or do not survive the surgery (NHS).
However, screening helps detect AAA’s early whereby the appropriate care and surveillance can be provided.
Treatment for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
The treatment for the abdominal aortic aneurysm depends on how large it is and may not always be needed straight away, especially if the risk of it bursting is very low. Typically treatment is:
- Small AAA (3cm – 4.4cm) – yearly ultrasound scans to check if it is getting larger.
- Medium AAA (4.5cm – 5.4cm) – ultrasound scans every 3 months to check if it is getting larger.
- Large AAA (5.5cm or more) – surgery to stop it from getting larger or bursting is usually recommended.
How to Prepare for the Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound?
When coming in for an abdominal aortic ultrasound, there are some guidelines that you may be asked to follow to ensure the best and most accurate results.
Fasting is required for this type of imaging test. You shouldn’t eat anything for at least 6 hours before your exam. Fasting includes no food or drink, but you can drink some water.
You can keep up with your regular medications as prescribed unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise.
Relevant medical history, previous imaging results, or physician referrals may be necessary during the test, and you should bring them with you to the appointments.
Besides the general recommendations, specific instructions for preparation can vary from patient to patient, so it’s essential to follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider. If you’re uncertain about any aspect of the preparation, you should contact The Scan Clinic for clarification.
What to Expect During Your Abdomen Aortic Ultrasound Scan
If you have had another ultrasound imaging test done, the abdominal aortic ultrasound won’t be different. During the scan, a hand-held device called a transducer is applied to the skin of the abdomen. The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off the internal organs and tissues. These sound waves are then captured by the transducer and converted into visual images by a computer.
Using these images, the sonographer can visualise the shape and size of blood flow within the abdominal aorta.
During the ultrasound, you will be asked to lie on an examination table, typically on your back. A clear water-based gel will be applied to the skin over the area of your abdomen that will be examined. The gel is a lubricant and helps create a smooth surface for transmitting sound waves between the transducer and your skin.
The technician will move the transducer gently over your abdomen. In some instances, firm pressure may be applied, but it is not painful. This ensures the capturing of explicit images of different sections of the abdominal aorta. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but it is generally painless.
Once all the necessary images have been obtained, you may wipe off the gel from your skin, dress up and go about the rest of your day’s activities.
The results of the ultrasound will be reviewed by a radiologist who will create a digital written ultrasound report that they can send to your healthcare provider for further action.
Common Findings Explained
✅ Normal Aorta (Less than 3.0 cm):
The aorta is within healthy size limits. No action is required, and routine re-screening is generally not needed for several years.
🟡 Small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (3.0 cm to 4.4 cm):
The aorta is slightly wider than normal. This requires regular surveillance scans (usually annually) to monitor any growth.
🟠 Medium Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (4.5 cm to 5.4 cm):
The bulge is moderate in size. Surveillance scans are recommended more frequently (typically every 3 months) alongside blood pressure management.
🔴 Large Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (5.5 cm or larger):
The aorta has expanded significantly. Urgent specialist referral to a vascular surgeon is arranged for further intervention.
📚 Want to learn more about maintaining your vascular and overall health? Explore expert clinical advice, lifestyle guides, and condition overviews in our Health Hub.
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Common Questions
How much is an abdominal aortic scan in London?
The cost of the abdominal aortic scan can vary depending on several factors, such as the location and facility to choose to have the scan. At The Scan Clinic, the scan costs start at £59.
How long does the scan take?
The scan takes 15-30 minutes to complete but can take longer depending on the findings and whether the technician needs to be a little closer or specific.
Can I continue with my daily routine after completing the scan?
Yes, the scan is painless and requires no recovery time. Once we complete it, you can resume your normal duties immediately without any risks.
What are some of the preparations I will be required to take before the scan?
You may be required to avoid eating any foods or coloured and sugary drinks for 6-8 hours before the scan. However, you can drink some water. You can also call our office for further directions on preparing before the scan.
How long will it take to get the scan results?
We will give you verbal results before you leave and email your written report to you, typically within 24 hours.
Book your Aortic Aneurysm Scan
Same-day and weekend appointments at The Scan Clinic London East, with a verbal summary before you leave.
Standard price£69
Off-peak price£59
Off-peak discount is applied automatically at checkout. Verbal summary and written report included.
How to find our scan clinic in East London
Our private ultrasound clinic in East London is a 5-minute walk from Gants Hill station on the Central line.
Address
The Scan Clinic London East
635A Cranbrook Road
Gants Hill IG2 6SX
Free parking spaces directly in front of the clinic, plus a paid public car park opposite.
Important notes
- We will require details of your GP / Health Care Professional, which may be requested before or at the time of the scan.
- This scan requires access to the area of interest; therefore, it is recommended to wear loose clothing to facilitate this process.
- Study images are not typically included with the scan but may be requested, further information can be found by clicking here.
- Our London East clinic is located on the first floor, up one flight of stairs. Please note that we don’t have a lift available at this location.
- All of our first-line tests are optional and provided on a self-referral basis. If you have a referral letter, please bring it, as it gives us useful medical background. You must be aged 18 years or over to use this service. If you have an existing medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or have any concerns about whether this test is appropriate for you, we recommend that you consult your GP or healthcare professional before booking.
- We kindly ask that you inform us of any specific requirements, reasonable adjustments, cultural considerations, or practitioner preferences before your appointment. Whilst we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, this may not always be possible at short notice or subject to staff availability.
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More about the Aortic Aneurysm Scan
Learn more about this scan, the areas it covers and ultrasound in general in our Health Hub.
Go to Health Hub
Medically reviewed by
Mr. Mohammad Usman
Clinical Lead and Consultant Sonographer