Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening looks for aneurysms (bulges in blood vessels) to monitor or treat them. Treating an AAA early greatly reduces the chance of it causing serious problems.
Who's eligible for AAA screening?
In Scotland, all men and people who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) are invited to attend AAA screening when they turn 65.
If you’re over 65 and have never been for AAA screening, you can arrange an appointment by phoning your local AAA screening centre.
Screening for the transgender community
Whether you're a trans man, trans woman, identify as non-binary or describe your gender in another way, it's important you're aware of which screening services you're eligible for.
Find out which screening services you're eligible for as a non-binary or transgender person
Your screening invitation
When you get your invitation, read the information carefully and decide whether you want to take up the invitation.
If you're unsure, look for further information to help you decide or talk to a trusted local health professional.
Contacting your local screening centre
There are 8 abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening centres in Scotland.
Contact your local AAA screening centre if you:
- have not received your screening invitation
- have a question about the test or your appointment
- need to change the date or time of your appointment
- are aged 65 or over and have not received an invitation
- would like to make a complaint, or give feedback
- need an interpreter
Your screening test
Test results
After the scan the person who carried out the ultrasound will tell you your result straight away. You'll have one of four results:
- normal result
- small aneurysm
- medium aneurysm
- large aneurysm
You'll also be sent a letter with your results.
If you have an aneurysm, your GP will be sent a copy of the result letter so they can discuss your results with you.
Further information and other languages and formats
Information in other languages and formats.
For alternative formats, please contact phs.otherformats@phs.scot