About my test
What will happen during your appointment and what to do if you need to change your appointment.
How will I know about my appointment?
Your appointment letter
You will receive a letter in the post inviting you to an appointment.
You will receive your letter during the year you are aged 65.
The letter will tell you where and when the appointment will be.
Where will my appointment be?
The appointment will be at the AAA screening centre, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness or at a community clinic near to where you live.
What happens during the appointment?
Arriving for the appointment
You will be asked to wait in the waiting area until the nurse is ready to see you.
Meeting the nurse
The nurse will explain what is going to happen and will ask you some questions.
You can ask the nurse any questions as well.
How long will the test take?
The test will take about 10 minutes.
Preparing for the test
The nurse will ask you to lie on a bed.
They will dim the lights so they can see the screen more clearly.
Ultrasound gel
They will ask you to lift your top up so they can see your tummy.
They will put some gel on your tummy.
Doing the scan
They will put the camera on your tummy and look at the TV screen.
The nurse will talk to you about what they see.
The scan does not hurt.
After the appointment
At the end of the scan the nurse will tell you if you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm or not.
Your results will also be posted to your home address.
If you have an aneurysm your GP will be sent a letter telling them what has been found.
Making changes to your appointment
How to change your appointment
You can change your appointment by phoning NHS Highland's AAA screening centre.
Telephone: 01463 704 067
The number will also be on your appointment letter.
When to phone about your appointment
You should phone the number on the letter if you:
- Want to change the date and time of your appointment.
- Want to cancel your appointment.
- Would like to bring someone with you to the appointment.
- Have a disability.
- Have mobility issues.
- Need an interpreter or any other help.
- Have any worries.
- Want to talk about your appointment.
If you have missed your appointment
If you miss an appointment do not worry.
Phone the number on the letter as soon as you can to arrange a new appointment.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening - what to expect at your appointment
A video by Public Health Scotland about what you can expect at your AAA screening appointment, including how the test is done.
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Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (Easy Read)
