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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening standards

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Document Type

Standards

Summary

In Scotland, all men and people who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) are invited to attend Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening when they turn 65.

It aims to reduce the number of deaths associated with the risk of an AAA rupture. This is through:

  • early detection
  • appropriate monitoring and treatment

Summary of standards

Standard 1: Scotland has a high quality and effectively led AAA screening programme with robust governance arrangements.

Standard 2: All eligible men receive information about AAA screening to enable informed choice and person-centred decision making.

Standard 3: All eligible men are invited for AAA screening.

Standard 4: The number of eligible men participating in AAA screening is maximised within the principles of informed choice.

Standard 5: Primary screening for an AAA is safe, high quality and person centred.

Standard 6: Surveillance scanning is safe, high quality and person centred.

Standard 7: The efficacy of the AAA screening programme is maximised through accuracy and quality of the scan image.

Standard 8: Men are offered timely referral to the vascular services team for treatment, where required.

Standard 9: Surgical treatment of an AAA is safe, effective and person centred.

Standard 10: Postoperative outcomes of men who have had their screen-detected AAA surgically repaired are monitored.