Prior to beginning the exam, the sonographer or examiner should:

• Introduce self and explain why the examination is being performed and indicate how much time the examination will take.
• Verify the patient’s name and date of birth or utilize facility-specific patient identifiers.
• Explain the procedure, taking into consideration the age and mental status of the patient and ensuring that the necessity for each portion of the evaluation is understood.
• Respond to questions and concerns about any aspect of the evaluation.
• Educate the patient about risk factors for and symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or atherosclerotic disease and signs and symptoms associated with reduced blood flow to the lower extremities and endovascular graft dysfunction, when appropriate.
• Refer specific diagnostic, treatment or prognosis questions to the patient's physician.