Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound Scan
An Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound provides an accurate measurement of the main abdominal blood vessel. It is the most important investigation for detecting an aortic aneurysm before it causes symptoms.
Clinical content reviewed by the MyScanHub clinical team · October 20263 minutes reading time
From
£120
All-inclusive. Reported by a consultant radiologist or clinical specialist sonographer within 72 hours.
- Radiologists & specialist sonographers
- CQC registered
- GDPR compliant
- Report within 72 hours
What is an Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound Scan?
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves — no radiation and no injections — to produce real-time images of soft tissues and organs.
Ultrasound is safe, painless, and radiation-free — making it a first-line investigation for many conditions of the abdominal aorta.
Is this scan right for you?
Common reasons for having this scan include:
- Detection or screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
- Monitoring known aortic dilation
- Family history of aortic aneurysm
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
- Aged 65 or over with vascular risk factors
What an Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound Scan can find
Ultrasound can identify:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
- Aortic dilation
What it cannot do
Vascular duplex ultrasound is a validated first-line investigation, but findings are operator-dependent and may be limited by body habitus, vessel calcification, depth or patient movement. A normal result does not completely exclude vascular pathology. If you develop sudden or severe symptoms including chest pain, acute breathlessness, sudden limb swelling or any neurological symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately irrespective of your scan result.
What happens on the day
- 1Check in at our clinic in the Guildhall Outer Car Park at Bluewater. Parking is free.
- 2You lie on the couch with your tummy uncovered. A little gel goes on the skin and the probe is moved over the middle of the tummy to measure the aorta.
- 3The scan takes about 20 minutes. There are no needles and nothing to recover from: you can drive and go back to work straight away.
- 4Your written report is uploaded to your secure patient account within 72 hours.
Who should have an aorta scan?
The NHS screens men once at 65. A private scan is for anyone outside that, or earlier: a family history of aneurysm, high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking, or simply wanting to know. One measurement is usually all that is needed; if the aorta is widened, the report will say how often to re-check.
Preparing for your Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound Scan
On the day of your scan:
- Fast for 4 to 6 hours before your scan (water and essential medication are fine)
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Please notify the team if:
- You are pregnant or might be pregnant
- You have any open wounds or skin infections in the scanning area
- You have relevant medical history (diabetes, cardiac, blood thinners)
- You have allergies to latex or ultrasound gel
Your report
All diagnostic scans at MyScanHub are performed and reported by GMC-registered Consultant Radiologists or HCPC-registered Clinical Specialist Sonographers. Your written report is delivered securely to your patient portal within 72 hours.
You can download the report and your images from your patient account to share with your GP, physiotherapist or specialist, or add a GP consultation to talk the findings through. How to open and share your results.
Why consider a private Ultrasound scan for the abdominal aorta?
When you need answers quickly — or when prior imaging has been inconclusive — a private Ultrasound at MyScanHub gives you timely access and specialist reporting without the wait.
Private scan benefits include:
- Fast access — same-day or next-day appointments, no waiting list
- Consultant radiologist or clinical specialist sonographer report within 72 hours
- Fully-private, CQC-registered, GDPR-compliant imaging centre
- Secure online access to your report and images, easy to share with your GP or specialist
Smarter scanning. Proactive health. Peace of mind.
Step 1
Choose
Pick a scan or a programme. No GP referral required.
Step 2
Book
Select a time online — same-day availability most weekdays.
Step 3
Scan
Be seen by specialists at our Dartford, Kent imaging centre.
Step 4
Results
Your written report within 72 hours, in your secure patient account.
Frequently asked questions
What size counts as an aneurysm?
The abdominal aorta is normally under 3 cm across. At 3 cm or more it is called an aneurysm. Most are small and are simply measured again at intervals, and the report says how often; larger ones are referred to a vascular specialist.
Is this the same as the NHS screening scan?
Yes, the same measurement, with a written report. The NHS invites men once at 65; this scan is for anyone outside that, or who wants it sooner.
How long does the scan take?
About 20 minutes.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly, and every scan is reported by a consultant radiologist or a clinical specialist sonographer. You can share the report with your GP afterwards.
When will I get my report?
Your written report, from a GMC-registered consultant radiologist or an HCPC-registered clinical specialist sonographer, is delivered securely to your patient account within 72 hours of your scan, with your images alongside it.
Where is the clinic?
Our imaging centre is at Bluewater Shopping Centre, Dartford, Kent (DA9 9ST), in the Guildhall Outer Car Park — free parking, a few minutes from junction 2 of the M25 and the A2. We're open Monday to Saturday 8am–9pm and Sunday 10am–5pm. Full directions are sent with your booking confirmation.
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Ready to book your Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound Scan?
Book online in minutes. Same-day and next-day slots available most weekdays in Dartford, Kent. Reported by a consultant radiologist or clinical specialist sonographer within 72 hours.
At our clinic in Bluewater Shopping Centre, Dartford: free parking, open seven days. How to find us · All private ultrasound scans in Dartford & Kent