What to Expect

Your Appointment, Step by Step

01

Before We Arrive — Prepare Your Space

You don't need to do much — but a little preparation makes the appointment run smoothly:

→Clear a 6–8 ft space in any room — a bedroom, living room, or home office all work. We set up a portable exam table so we need enough room to work on both sides of it.
→Have a power outlet accessible — our equipment needs to be plugged in during the scan.
→Wear loose, comfortable clothing — easy to lift or remove as needed depending on the scan.
→Avoid lotions or creams on the area being scanned — they can interfere with ultrasound gel adhesion.
→Fast for 4–6 hours beforehand if you're having an abdominal aortic (AAA) or kidney arterial scan — food and gas can obscure the images. Water is fine.

02

We Arrive & Set Up — 15 Minutes

Our sonographer arrives with everything needed — no assembly required on your end:

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Portable Exam Table

A professional-grade padded table, set up in your chosen room

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Ultrasound Machine

Hospital-grade imaging system with documentation laptop

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Gel & Supplies

Ultrasound gel, wipes, and all disposable materials

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Gowns & Privacy Supplies

Provided as needed — including disposable shorts for lower extremity scans

Setup takes approximately 15 minutes. We'll let you know when we're ready for you.

03

The Scan — 20 to 45 Minutes

You'll lie comfortably on the exam table while our sonographer performs the imaging. Here's what to expect during the scan itself:

→Warm ultrasound gel is applied to the area being scanned. A small transducer (probe) is moved gently over your skin — there's no discomfort.
→Privacy and modesty are always maintained. We provide gowns and disposable shorts as needed — you are never asked to be more exposed than necessary for the specific scan.
→Mostly quiet — the only sound you may hear is a whooshing Doppler audio on vascular scans (carotid, arterial, venous). This is normal and expected.
→Family members are welcome to be in the room with you — spouses, adult children, or a support person are always invited to stay.
→Scan duration varies by type — an echocardiogram typically takes 45–60 minutes, while a focused vascular scan such as AAA may take only 20–30 minutes.

04

We Pack Up — 15 Minutes

Once the scan is complete, we pack up all equipment and leave your space exactly as we found it. Teardown takes approximately 15 minutes. You're free to go about your day immediately — no recovery time needed.

05

Your Report — Within 24–48 Hours

This is where BlackPoint Diagnostics goes beyond what most mobile imaging services offer:

→Same day: your images are transmitted directly to Dr. Gandelman, our board-certified cardiologist, for review.
→Within 24–48 hours: you receive a complete written report by email — authored and signed by Dr. Gandelman, not just a technician's notes.
→Share with your doctor: if you'd like your primary care physician or specialist to receive a copy, we can send it directly to them upon request.

Note: Our sonographers do not diagnose on-site. All clinical interpretation is performed by Dr. Gandelman. This ensures the quality and medical authority of your report meets the standard of a hospital-ordered study.

Common Questions

Do I need to do anything special to prepare? ›

For most scans, no special preparation is needed beyond wearing comfortable clothing and clearing a space in your home. For abdominal aortic (AAA) and kidney arterial scans, we ask that you fast for 4–6 hours beforehand — food and gas in the abdomen can obscure ultrasound images. Water is always fine to drink.

Is there any pain or discomfort? ›

None at all. Ultrasound imaging is completely non-invasive. The only sensation is the transducer (probe) being moved gently across your skin with a small amount of ultrasound gel. There is no radiation, no needles, and no compression.

What should I wear? ›

Loose, comfortable clothing that's easy to lift or adjust. We provide everything needed for modesty and privacy — gowns for cardiac imaging and disposable shorts for lower extremity scans. You will never be asked to be more exposed than is necessary for your specific scan.

Can someone stay in the room with me? ›

Absolutely. Spouses, family members, or a support person are always welcome to stay in the room during the scan. We want you to feel completely comfortable.

Will I get results right away? ›

Our sonographer will not provide a diagnosis on-site — all interpretation is performed by Dr. Gandelman, our reviewing cardiologist. This ensures your results carry the clinical authority of a specialist's report. You'll receive your written report by email within 24–48 hours.

What if something concerning is found? ›

If Dr. Gandelman identifies a finding that warrants prompt attention, we will contact you directly and can help coordinate next steps with your primary care physician or a specialist. Your report will include clear recommendations for follow-up care when appropriate.