Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (ultrasound)

Vascular

US: usually 65–75; Canada men: 65–80Usually one-time if normal; follow-up imaging if an aneurysm is found10–15 minutes

An abdominal ultrasound can screen for an aortic aneurysm (AAA) before it becomes dangerous.

Guidance for your location

Location

Country

Select a country only if you want local program matching.

Region-specific program details are not available for this location yet, but you can still use the general profile information.

Recommended Age

US: usually 65–75; Canada men: 65–80

Frequency

Usually one-time if normal; follow-up imaging if an aneurysm is found

Duration

10–15 minutes

Overview

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge in the main artery in the abdomen. AAAs can grow silently and, if they rupture, can be life-threatening. Ultrasound screening can detect an AAA early so it can be monitored or treated before rupture. Eligibility differs by country: the US guidance focuses on adults 65 to 75 with smoking or family-history risk, while Canada uses a one-time shared-decision approach for asymptomatic men 65 to 80.

Who Should Get This Screening

In the US, people assigned male at birth ages 65–75 who have ever smoked are the group most often offered one-time screening.
In the US, people assigned male at birth ages 65–75 who never smoked may still be offered screening selectively after clinician discussion.
In the US, people assigned female at birth who never smoked and do not have first-degree family-history risk are generally not screened routinely.
In the US, people assigned female at birth ages 65–75 who have ever smoked or have a first-degree family history of AAA fall into an uncertain-evidence group and decisions are individualized.
In Canada, asymptomatic people assigned male at birth ages 65–80 may consider one-time screening even without a smoking history.
If you already have an aneurysm or are being followed after repair, this is follow-up care rather than routine screening.
If an aneurysm is found, follow-up imaging frequency depends on aneurysm size.
Severe abdominal or back pain is not a screening situation. Seek urgent evaluation.

What to Expect

You lie on an exam table while a technician applies gel to your abdomen and moves an ultrasound probe over the area to image the aorta. The test is painless.

How to Prepare

Follow these tips to prepare for your screening

Some clinics ask you to fast for 6–8 hours beforehand; follow booking instructions.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the abdomen.

Benefits

Can detect AAA before rupture.
Non-invasive and painless.
One-time screening is sufficient for many people when normal.

Things to Consider

A screening ultrasound may find incidental findings that require follow-up.
False positives/measurement variation can lead to repeat imaging.

Guideline Source: AAA screening guidance (risk-based; some populations have uncertain evidence)

This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.