Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound

Imaging Center in Pasadena & Los Angeles, CA

What is An Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound?

An Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound, also known as abdominal aortic sonogram, is a medical imaging procedure used to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This test is especially recommended for patients who have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm and/or are male patients age 65-75 who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Consult with your healthcare provider to see if you qualify for this exam.

A provider’s referral is required to schedule an Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound.

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Exam Preparation

How to Prepare for the Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound Procedure?

Here are some general guidelines that you might be asked to follow when preparing for an Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound:

Your healthcare provider or Sono Center Medical Group will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the ultrasound. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully.

Fasting is required 6 hours before your exam. Fasting includes no consumption of any food or drinks including coffee, although water is permitted.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to remove. In some cases, you might be asked to change into a gown provided by us.

Take your regular medications as prescribed, unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise.


A provider’s referral is required to schedule any imaging study. If you do not have a provider referral, Sono Center can assist with scheduling a telehealth consultation for you (independent healthcare provider belonging to an external network). If you have any relevant medical history, previous imaging results, or physician referrals, please bring them with you to the appointment.

Remember that the specific instructions for preparation can vary, so it’s important to follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider and Sono Center Medical Group. If you’re uncertain about any aspect of the preparation, don’t hesitate to contact us or your healthcare provider for clarification. If you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

Ultrasound Procedure

What to Expect During Your Abdomen Aortic Ultrasound Procedure?

During an Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound procedure, a handheld 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. These images allow the healthcare provider to visualize the size, shape, and blood flow within the abdominal aorta. One of the advantages of Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound is that it does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, making it safe for patients of all ages, including pregnant women.

During an Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound, you will be asked to lie down on an examination table, typically on your back. The procedure includes the following:

Depending on the specific type of ultrasound being performed, we may ask you to change into a gown. You will need to expose the area of your abdomen that is being examined.

A clear, water-based gel is applied to the skin over the area of your abdomen that will be examined. This gel helps to create a smooth surface and facilitate the transmission of sound waves between the transducer and your skin.

The ultrasound technologist will use a handheld device called a transducer. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that are used to create images of the internal structures. The technician will move the transducer gently over your abdomen, ensuring they capture images of different sections of the abdominal aorta. They may also press slightly to obtain clearer images. You might feel slight pressure, but the procedure is generally painless.

As the transducer is moved over your abdomen, it emits sound waves that bounce off the organs and tissues inside your body. This allows them to assess the size and condition of your abdominal aorta. They may take various measurements and images from different angles.

The images obtained during the ultrasound are saved for later review by a radiologist.

Once all the necessary images have been obtained, you may wipe off the gel from your skin. You can then go about your normal activities.

The entire Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound procedure usually takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, depending on the complexity.

After the procedure, the images and findings of your Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound will be reviewed by a radiologist, who will generate a report for your healthcare provider. We will share the report with you via a HIPAA compliant email, as well as your healthcare provider. You must follow up with your healthcare provider to review your results. It is important for you to understand that you may have problems, disease, or abnormalities, but this study may not find them. You may need additional imaging or tests.

Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound Price

$300

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