A painless, 30-minute carotid duplex ultrasound performed at your home in Freeport by an ARDMS-certified cardiovascular sonographer. We evaluate blood flow, plaque buildup, and stenosis in the carotid arteries that supply your brain — the same hospital-grade imaging, without the hospital. Board-certified cardiologist report delivered within 24–48 hours.
Clinical Indications
A carotid duplex ultrasound is the primary screening tool for stroke prevention. It evaluates blood flow through the carotid arteries — the two major vessels in your neck that supply your brain. If you have experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), dizziness, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, or sudden vision changes, a carotid duplex is typically one of the first studies your physician will order. It detects plaque buildup, stenosis (narrowing), and turbulent blood flow that can precede a full stroke — often long before symptoms appear.
Even without symptoms, patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, a history of smoking, or a family history of stroke are at elevated risk for carotid artery disease. The American Heart Association recommends screening for patients with multiple vascular risk factors. A carotid duplex can detect carotid artery stenosis ranging from mild plaque to critical narrowing — findings that directly inform whether medical management, lifestyle changes, or surgical intervention is warranted.
Freeport residents have limited options for carotid duplex imaging without entering the hospital system. The nearest hospital-based labs are at Mid Coast Hospital (Brunswick) and Maine Medical Center (Portland) — both requiring a physician referral, insurance pre-authorization, and often a multi-week wait for scheduling.
What We're Looking For
Identifies atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid arteries — the primary cause of stroke. Even early-stage plaque is clinically significant and warrants monitoring.
Measures how much the artery has narrowed. Graded from mild (<50%) to severe (>70%) — the threshold where surgical intervention is typically considered.
Elevated velocities indicate turbulent flow through a narrowed segment. Peak systolic velocity is the key metric for grading stenosis severity.
Evaluates blood flow in the vertebral arteries at the back of the neck — a secondary but important pathway supplying the brain.
The thickness of the arterial wall lining. Increased IMT is an early marker of atherosclerosis before visible plaque develops.
Confirms blood is flowing in the correct direction. Reversed flow can indicate a significant blockage upstream or downstream.
Why BlackPoint
Freeport residents have limited options for carotid duplex imaging without entering the hospital system. The nearest hospital-based labs are at Mid Coast Hospital (Brunswick) and Maine Medical Center (Portland) — both requiring a physician referral, insurance pre-authorization, and often a multi-week wait for scheduling.
BlackPoint is different. You book directly — no referral, no insurance friction. Our sonographer, Emanuel Papadakis, RDCS, RVT, performs every scan personally with twenty years of cardiovascular imaging experience. He arrives at your home in Freeport with a Mindray diagnostic ultrasound system — the same platform used in accredited hospital labs — and performs a comprehensive carotid duplex in approximately 30 minutes.
Every study is reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist who delivers a written clinical report in plain language within 24–48 hours. The cost is $397 flat — no surprise bills, no facility charges, no insurance games. HSA and FSA accepted.
How It Works
Choose your scan and pick a time. No physician referral needed. Same-week appointments typically available for Freeport.
Emanuel, RDCS, RVT, arrives with a Mindray diagnostic ultrasound system. The scan takes approximately 30 minutes and is completely painless — no needles, no radiation, no preparation required.
A board-certified cardiologist reviews your images and delivers a detailed, plain-language report. Clear findings, clear next steps.
Is This Scan Right For You?
You do not need to be symptomatic to benefit from a carotid duplex. Many patients with significant carotid artery disease have no symptoms until a stroke occurs. Consider scheduling if any of the following apply to you:
Full Service Menu
In addition to carotid duplex ultrasound, BlackPoint offers a full range of cardiovascular and vascular ultrasound screenings — all mobile, all $397, all cardiologist-reviewed.
Heart ultrasound — evaluates pumping strength, valve function, and chamber size.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm detection — especially important for men over 65 with smoking history.
DVT and venous insufficiency screening from groin to calf.
Peripheral artery disease screening — evaluates circulation in your legs.
Blood flow to kidneys — critical for patients with resistant hypertension or diabetes.
Learn More
A detailed look at what a carotid duplex reveals — plaque, stenosis, and stroke risk factors.
Understand the numbers, abbreviations, and findings in your cardiologist report.
Two completely different tests. Here’s what each one measures and when you need which.
BlackPoint Diagnostics offers mobile carotid ultrasound throughout Freeport and Southern Maine. We come to your home, workplace, or a partner location — no hospital visit or referral needed. Book online or call (207) 409-7797.
$397 flat — all-inclusive. No hidden fees. Results are reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist within 24–48 hours and delivered as a written report.
No referral is needed. BlackPoint Diagnostics accepts self-pay patients directly. If you have concerns about stroke risk or carotid disease, you can book your screening without waiting for a physician referral.
A carotid duplex ultrasound evaluates the arteries that supply blood to the brain. It detects plaque buildup, measures the degree of arterial narrowing (stenosis), and identifies unstable plaque that could break off and cause a stroke. The test also assesses blood flow velocity and direction.
Screening is recommended for adults over 55 with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history, or a family history of stroke. If your doctor has heard a bruit (abnormal sound) in your neck, or if you have experienced symptoms like sudden dizziness or one-sided weakness, a carotid ultrasound is an important diagnostic step.
Fully mobile to Freeport and Cumberland County. No referral. $397 per scan, all-inclusive. Cardiologist-reviewed results in 24–48 hours.
Or call (207) 409-7797