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.
The Study
A carotid ultrasound is a painless scan of the arteries on each side of your neck that supply blood to your brain. It uses sound waves to check for plaque buildup or narrowing that could increase your risk of stroke. The scan takes 30 to 45 minutes, requires no needles or radiation, and results are reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist and delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
Carotid disease is silent until it is not. These are the moments patients describe to me afterward.
It is also indicated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a family history of stroke, or any smoking history. Plaque builds for years before it narrows an artery enough to produce a single symptom.
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
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.
Just show up. No fasting, no medication changes. Wear a low-collar shirt or remove any necklaces beforehand.
Completely painless. The sonographer gently places a small probe on the sides of your neck and captures detailed images of both carotid arteries.
We can see exactly how blood is moving through your arteries and identify any areas of narrowing or plaque buildup.
Your images are reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist who specializes in vascular disease.
A clear written report explains your plaque burden, degree of stenosis if any, and recommended next steps. Learn how to read your carotid ultrasound results.
What We're Looking For
These conditions often develop without symptoms for years. Early detection changes the outcome dramatically.
Why BlackPoint
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.
“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.“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.“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.Verified Google reviews from patients across Midcoast Maine. Read all reviews →
Common Questions
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.
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.
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.
Yes. BlackPoint Diagnostics does not require a physician referral. You can book directly at our online booking page — evenings after 7pm and weekends. Results are reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist and delivered within 24—48 hours.
$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.
Book Your Scan
$397 all-inclusive. No referral, no insurance, no facility fees. We come to you across Southern Maine.
Further Reading & References
How to Read Your Carotid Ultrasound Results · Carotid Ultrasound for Stroke Prevention in Maine · Stroke Warning Signs — What a Carotid Ultrasound Can Reveal · carotid ultrasound locations in Maine · senior heart screening · Download our free heart health guide