Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm by general practitioners and practice-based ultrasonographers

Aim To find out if aortic aneurysm screening could be successfully organized from a general practice with ultrasound facilities, and to offer a screening service to surrounding general practices within a primary health care trust (PHCT) in Surrey. Methods The study screened men between the ages of 65 and 80 years for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The screening project was set up and carried out entirely in primary care (in local practices). Funding was received from the PHCT, the costs of the screening programme had to fit within this budget. Results There was a 71.7% attendance rate and 4.1% of the screened population had an AAA. The screens cost approximately 17.39 pound per scan. Conclusions The costs for the screening programme were low, although it is hard to find direct comparisons. The attendance rate could be improved, but the prevalence of AAA in this study was comparable to those found in hospital-led screening trials.