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Vascular Imaging · Aortic Duplex

Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound

A painless 30-minute scan that measures your aorta and detects an aneurysm before it causes symptoms.

Abdominal aortic ultrasound from a BlackPoint Diagnostics study, with a caliper measurement on screen
✓Registered cardiac & vascular sonographer
✓ASE Member — Echo Standards
✓Read in an IAC-accredited lab
✓Board-Certified Cardiologist Review
An abdominal ultrasound in progress, the probe on the patient's abdomen

The Study

What Is an AAA Ultrasound?

An AAA ultrasound is a painless scan that checks the main artery in your abdomen — the aorta — for dangerous widening called an aneurysm. The scan uses sound waves, involves no radiation or needles, and takes about 30 minutes. Results are reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist and delivered within 24 to 48 hours.

Who Should Get an AAA Ultrasound?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm almost never announces itself. On the occasions it does, this is how.

The strongest reasons to screen produce no symptoms at all: men 65 to 75 with any smoking history, anyone with a family history of aneurysm, and long-standing high blood pressure. The scan itself takes about thirty minutes.

Not sure this is the right study for you? Compare all six side by side, or take the two-minute health score — it asks about your history and points you to the study that fits.

What to Expect

Simple, Painless, Step by Step

Many people have never had this scan before. Here is exactly what happens — no surprises, no anxiety.

No radiation. No needles. No discomfort. An ultrasound uses sound waves — the same technology used in obstetric imaging. It is entirely safe and non-invasive.

Light fasting is recommended

For the clearest images, avoid eating for 4—6 hours beforehand. Water is fine.

You lie on your back comfortably

Gel is applied to your abdomen and a probe gently moves across your upper abdomen. Completely painless.

The aorta is measured at multiple points

We measure the diameter of the aorta at several locations to identify any abnormal widening or bulging.

A cardiologist reviews your measurements

A board-certified cardiologist reviews your findings and classifies any aneurysm by size and clinical significance.

Your report arrives in 24—48 hours

Clear findings with measurements, risk classification, and recommended next steps if needed.

What We're Looking For

Conditions This Scan Can Detect

These conditions often develop without symptoms for years. Early detection changes the outcome dramatically.

The Honest Part

If We Find Something

Most people are checked and get reassurance. Some do not — and that is the point of imaging. Here is exactly what happens in that case.

Why BlackPoint

The BlackPoint Difference

Quality cardiovascular imaging shouldn't require a hospital visit, a referral, or a weeks-long wait. Our sonographer performs cardiovascular imaging daily alongside physicians — clinical-grade diagnostics delivered with genuine convenience.

  • Registered cardiac & vascular sonographer — Not just a technician. A registered cardiovascular imaging specialist.
  • Board-Certified Cardiologist Review — Every scan reviewed by a physician who specializes in the heart and vascular system.
  • Results in 24—48 Hours — No waiting weeks. Clear answers delivered directly to you.
  • Our Falmouth Imaging Center — Concierge service at our Falmouth imaging center.
  • Transparent Pricing — $397 all-inclusive in Falmouth. No surprise bills, no insurance delays.
  • No Referral Needed — Book directly and take control of your own health.
  • Five-Star Google Reviews — Trusted by patients across Midcoast Maine.
★★★★★

“Emanuel was professional and informative. The appointment felt clean, quiet and calming. I was able to get scheduled quickly and received my results the very next day.”

Google review
★★★★★

“He was very professional, kind, and took the time to explain everything he was doing during the procedure, which really helped put me at ease. I received my results within 48 hours, which was impressive. Excellent experience overall.”

Google review
★★★★★

“Emanuel was respectful and knowledgeable. I was brought in on time and was kept informed of what he was doing along with detailed explanations. The room was clean, quiet, and private. I received my results within 48 hours with a follow up email from Emanuel. Highly recommend.”

Google review

Verified Google reviews from patients across Midcoast Maine. Read all reviews →

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Should men over 65 get an abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound?

Yes. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) gives a Grade B recommendation for one-time AAA screening in men aged 65—75 who have ever smoked.[1] An abdominal aortic aneurysm typically causes no symptoms until rupture — when the survival rate drops below 20%. A single ultrasound takes about 30 minutes and can detect an aneurysm while it is still treatable.

What does a pulsating feeling in my stomach mean?

A pulsating or throbbing sensation near the navel can be a sign of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Most aneurysms are asymptomatic, but as the aorta enlarges, some people notice a pulsating mass in their abdomen. Any such sensation should be evaluated with an ultrasound.

My father had an aortic aneurysm — should I get checked?

Yes. Having a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with an aortic aneurysm significantly raises your own risk. Family history is one of the strongest predictors of AAA, independent of smoking history. Screening is recommended earlier — starting at age 55 — for individuals with a family history.

Can I get an AAA ultrasound without a doctor's referral in Maine?

Yes. BlackPoint Diagnostics does not require a physician referral. Book directly — evenings after 7pm and weekends. Results reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist and delivered within 24—48 hours.

How much does an AAA ultrasound cost without insurance?

$397 flat in Falmouth — no facility fees, no hidden costs. Book at our Falmouth imaging center in Southern Maine. See what an AAA ultrasound costs in full. The AAA ultrasound takes approximately 30 minutes.

Who should have a preventative AAA ultrasound?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. An aneurysm gives no warning while it grows, which is why it is screened for rather than waited on. The scan is $397 at our Falmouth imaging center, or $597 on-site at your home or workplace anywhere in Southern Maine, with no referral and no insurance required.

Book Your Scan

Your Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Ultrasound
Starts Here

$397 all-inclusive in Falmouth. No referral, no insurance, no facility fees. Serving Southern Maine from our Falmouth imaging center.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound for patients across Southern Maine: Bath, Biddeford, Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Portland, Saco, Scarborough, South Portland and Westbrook. Studies are performed at the Falmouth imaging center, or on-site at your home or workplace.

Further Reading & References

AAA Ultrasound for Men in Maine — Who Should Get Tested? · Aortic Aneurysm Ultrasound — Who Should Get Tested and Why · Calculate your cardiovascular risk score · Download our free heart health guide

  1. Owens DK, Davidson KW, Krist AH, et al. "Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement." JAMA, 2019;322(22):2211-2218. PMID: 31821437
  2. Ashton HA, Buxton MJ, Day NE, et al. "The Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study (MASS) into the effect of abdominal aortic aneurysm screening on mortality in men: a randomised controlled trial." Lancet, 2002;360(9345):1531-1539. PMID: 12443589
  3. Thompson SG, Ashton HA, Gao L, et al. "Screening men for abdominal aortic aneurysm: 10 year mortality and cost effectiveness results from the randomised Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study." BMJ, 2009;338:b2307. PMID: 19553269
  4. Guirguis-Blake JM, Beil TL, Senger CA, et al. "Primary Care Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force." JAMA, 2019;322(22):2219-2238. PMID: 31821436
Book at Falmouth — $397