Stroke Prevention · Vascular Imaging

80% of Strokes Are Preventable.
This Scan Could Be the Reason Yours Never Happens.

Your carotid arteries carry blood from your heart to your brain. When plaque silently builds up inside them, stroke risk rises dramatically — with no warning signs until it is too late.[1] This 45-minute scan changes that.

ARDMS Certified Sonographer
ASE Member — Echo Standards
IAC Accredited — Echo & Vascular
Board-Certified Cardiologist Review

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.

01

No preparation required

Just show up. No fasting, no medication changes. Wear a low-collar shirt or remove any necklaces beforehand.

02

A probe is placed on each side of your neck

Completely painless. The sonographer gently places a small probe on the sides of your neck and captures detailed images of both carotid arteries.

03

Blood flow is measured with Doppler imaging

We can see exactly how blood is moving through your arteries and identify any areas of narrowing or plaque buildup.

04

A cardiologist interprets the findings

Your images are reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist who specializes in vascular disease.

05

Your report is delivered within 24–48 hours

A clear written report explains your plaque burden, degree of stenosis if any, and recommended next steps.

Conditions This Scan
Can Detect

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

Carotid Artery Stenosis

Narrowing of the artery that restricts blood flow to the brain — a leading cause of ischemic stroke.[2]

Atherosclerotic Plaque

Fatty deposits inside the artery walls. Even small amounts can break off and cause a stroke.

High-Risk Plaque Features

Unstable plaque characteristics that significantly increase near-term stroke risk.

Intima-Media Thickness

Early artery wall thickening that predicts future cardiovascular risk before symptoms appear.[3]

Turbulent Blood Flow

Abnormal flow patterns caused by partial blockages that can be detected before they become critical.

Anatomical Variations

Unusual artery positioning or branching patterns important to identify before any procedures.

The BlackPoint
Difference

We built BlackPoint Diagnostics because quality cardiovascular imaging shouldn't require a hospital visit, a referral, or a weeks-long wait. Our sonographer performs cardiovascular imaging daily alongside physicians — this is clinical-grade diagnostics delivered with genuine convenience.

  • ARDMS-Certified 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.
  • We Come to You — Mobile concierge service at your home, workplace, or community location.
  • Transparent Pricing — $397 all-inclusive. 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.

What Our Patients
Are Saying

★★★★★ Five-Star Google Reviews — Real patients, real results

★★★★★

"Manny 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."

— Jennifer S., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"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."

— Meagan B., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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 Manny. Highly recommend."

— Wanda K., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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."

— Jennifer S., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"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."

— Meagan B., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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 Manny. Highly recommend."

— Wanda K., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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."

— Jennifer S., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"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."

— Meagan B., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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 Manny. Highly recommend."

— Wanda K., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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."

— Jennifer S., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"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."

— Meagan B., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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 Manny. Highly recommend."

— Wanda K., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"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."

— Meagan B., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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 Manny. Highly recommend."

— Wanda K., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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."

— Jennifer S., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"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."

— Meagan B., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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 Manny. Highly recommend."

— Wanda K., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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."

— Jennifer S., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"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."

— Meagan B., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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 Manny. Highly recommend."

— Wanda K., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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."

— Jennifer S., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"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."

— Meagan B., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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 Manny. Highly recommend."

— Wanda K., Echocardiogram
★★★★★

"Manny 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."

— Jennifer S., Echocardiogram

What's Your
Cardiovascular Risk?

Take our 2-minute my health score and find out which screenings are most important for your specific health profile. No email required.

Take the My Health Score Visit the Blog
80%

of strokes are preventable with early detection

#1

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US

50%

of heart disease patients have no prior symptoms

1 in 3

Adults over 50 will need an echocardiogram in their lifetime

Bring Screenings
to Your Workplace

We partner with Maine employers to deliver on-site cardiovascular screenings employees actually use. Mobile fee waived for groups of 10 or more.

Group rate from $249–$275 per employee

Learn About Corporate Wellness
Bath Iron Works
L.L. Bean
Mid Coast Hospital
Local Employers

References

  1. North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial Collaborators. "Beneficial effect of carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic patients with high-grade carotid stenosis." N Engl J Med, 1991;325(7):445-453. PMID: 1852179
  2. Brott TG, Hobson RW, Howard G, et al. "Stenting versus endarterectomy for treatment of carotid-artery stenosis." N Engl J Med, 2010;363(1):11-23. PMID: 20505173
  3. Grant EG, Benson CB, Moneta GL, et al. "Carotid artery stenosis: gray-scale and Doppler US diagnosis — Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Consensus Conference." Radiology, 2003;229(2):340-346. PMID: 14500855
  4. US Preventive Services Task Force. "Screening for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement." JAMA, 2021;325(5):476-481. PMID: 33528542

Your Carotid Artery Ultrasound
Starts Here

No referral, no insurance, no waiting. Book your carotid artery ultrasound today and receive your cardiologist report within 48 hours.

Southern Maine  ·  Mobile service throughout Midcoast Maine

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the warning signs before a stroke?

Warning signs include sudden dizziness, loss of balance, numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, or a sudden severe headache. A temporary episode — called a TIA (mini-stroke) — is a critical warning that a stroke may follow. A carotid duplex ultrasound evaluates the arteries that supply blood to the brain and can detect dangerous plaque buildup before a stroke occurs.

Should I get a carotid ultrasound if I have high cholesterol?

High cholesterol accelerates plaque buildup in the carotid arteries, narrowing the vessel and increasing stroke risk. A carotid duplex ultrasound measures the degree of narrowing and identifies unstable plaque — information that cannot be obtained from a cholesterol panel alone.

What does it mean if my doctor heard a sound in my neck?

A sound in the neck — called a carotid bruit — is caused by turbulent blood flow through a narrowed artery. When a physician detects a bruit, a carotid duplex ultrasound is the next diagnostic step to determine the degree of stenosis and whether intervention is needed.

Can I get a carotid artery scan without a doctor's referral in Maine?

Yes. BlackPoint Diagnostics does not require a physician referral. You can book directly at booking.html — evenings after 7pm and weekends. Results are reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist and delivered within 24–48 hours.

How much does a carotid ultrasound cost without insurance?

$397 flat — no facility fees, no hidden costs. Hospital-based carotid ultrasounds routinely cost $800–$2,500 without insurance. BlackPoint Diagnostics comes to your home, workplace, or preferred location in Southern Maine.

Concerned about stroke risk? Read our indication guide: Carotid Ultrasound for Stroke Prevention in Maine.

Learn to recognize early warning signs: Stroke Warning Signs — What a Carotid Ultrasound Can Reveal.