PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2)
Private PLAC Lp-PLA2 testing in London for £128, measuring one vascular inflammation marker with results expected in around 2 days.
Turnaround time
2 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2) Test
The PLAC Test measures Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, or Lp-PLA2, an enzyme associated with lipoproteins and inflammatory activity within atherosclerotic plaques.
The test assesses 1 cardiovascular biomarker: PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2).
Lp-PLA2 is produced by inflammatory cells and circulates largely attached to LDL and other lipoproteins.
It participates in the metabolism of oxidised phospholipids within the arterial wall.
Higher Lp-PLA2 activity or concentration has been associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and vascular inflammation.
Unlike a standard Cholesterol test, the PLAC Test does not simply measure the amount of cholesterol in blood.
It provides a different type of cardiovascular information related to vascular inflammatory biology.
However, Lp-PLA2 should not be interpreted as an independent diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
It also does not determine whether a specific artery contains a dangerous plaque.
Its clinical value is greatest when considered alongside established cardiovascular risk factors such as age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, LDL Cholesterol and family history.
Other laboratory markers can add complementary information.
Apolipoprotein B estimates the number of atherogenic particles.
Lipoprotein (a) identifies an important inherited lipid risk factor.
High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein measures systemic inflammatory activity.
Modern cardiovascular prevention decisions should therefore be based on the overall risk profile rather than an isolated Lp-PLA2 result.
What Does the PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2) Test Check?
The test measures Lp-PLA2, an enzyme associated with atherosclerotic lipoproteins and vascular inflammation. This test measures 1 biomarker.
PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2)
Measures Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, providing additional information about inflammatory activity associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Who May Benefit From the PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2) Test?
Lp-PLA2 testing can be considered as part of an expanded cardiovascular risk assessment.
People with a strong family history of premature cardiovascular disease - Advanced risk markers can provide additional context.
People with borderline traditional cardiovascular risk - Lp-PLA2 can be considered alongside standard risk factors.
People with known dyslipidaemia - Additional markers can help characterise cardiovascular biology beyond LDL alone.
People with diabetes or metabolic syndrome - These conditions increase baseline cardiovascular risk.
People with established cardiovascular disease under specialist assessment - Extended biomarkers may occasionally be used during risk evaluation.
People undergoing an advanced cardiovascular profile - Lp-PLA2 can complement ApoB, Lp(a) and hsCRP.
People with a previous elevated PLAC result - Repeat testing can assess whether the marker changes over time.
People specifically advised by a cardiovascular specialist to measure Lp-PLA2 - Clinical context is important because the marker does not replace standard risk assessment.
How to Prepare
The PLAC result should be interpreted alongside conventional cardiovascular risk factors rather than in isolation.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2) Test
Atherosclerosis and elevated cardiovascular risk often produce no symptoms until disease becomes clinically significant.
A strong family history of early heart attack or stroke - Additional risk assessment may be appropriate.
Persistent abnormal cholesterol results - Lp-PLA2 can complement standard lipid testing.
Diabetes or insulin resistance with cardiovascular concerns - Metabolic disease increases vascular risk.
Several cardiovascular risk factors despite apparently acceptable LDL Cholesterol - Advanced markers can sometimes provide additional context.
A previous raised Lp-PLA2 result - Repeat measurement can assess change.
A desire for a more detailed cardiovascular risk profile - The test can be combined with ApoB, Lp(a), hsCRP and standard lipids.
Chest pain, new shortness of breath, sudden weakness, facial drooping or speech disturbance requires urgent medical assessment.
The PLAC Test is a risk biomarker and should never be used to exclude an acute heart attack or stroke.
How to Book Your PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2) Test
The PLAC Test can be booked privately for advanced cardiovascular biomarker assessment.
Choose the PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2)
Select the individual Lp-PLA2 blood test online.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional home or hotel phlebotomy where suitable.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required venous blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your serum undergoes specialist analysis of PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2).
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and can be interpreted alongside standard lipid and cardiovascular risk markers.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The specialist laboratory currently lists a turnaround of approximately 2 days after laboratory receipt for Lp-PLA2 (PLAC).
The LBT catalogue currently lists the individual PLAC Test at £128.
The specimen undergoes specialist biochemical analysis, laboratory quality control and authorisation before release.
Understanding Your Results
A lower Lp-PLA2 result indicates less measured enzyme activity or concentration according to the laboratory method.
A higher result has been associated with increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk in population studies.
The result does not show where arterial disease is located.
It also cannot determine whether a plaque is currently unstable or whether a cardiovascular event will occur.
Lp-PLA2 should therefore be interpreted alongside LDL Cholesterol, ApoB, Lipoprotein (a), blood pressure, diabetes status, smoking and family history.
Treatment decisions should be based on the complete cardiovascular risk assessment.
A single favourable PLAC result does not override strongly abnormal conventional risk factors.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private PLAC testing for people seeking a more detailed cardiovascular biomarker assessment.
Measures Lp-PLA2 directly - The test assesses an enzyme associated with vascular inflammatory biology.
Goes beyond standard cholesterol alone - It provides a different dimension of cardiovascular information.
Can complement ApoB - ApoB estimates atherogenic particle number.
Can complement Lipoprotein (a) - Lp(a) provides information about inherited cardiovascular risk.
Can complement hsCRP - Systemic and vascular inflammatory biomarkers can be interpreted together.
Specialist laboratory analysis - The current laboratory turnaround is approximately 2 days.
Professional blood collection - Clinic and suitable home or hotel collection are available.
Clear pricing - The PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2) costs £128.
Private PLAC Test (Lp-PLA2) Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private Lp-PLA2 testing for people requiring advanced cardiovascular risk assessment.
The test costs £128 and measures 1 cardiovascular biomarker.
Results are expected approximately 2 days after laboratory receipt.
Lp-PLA2 provides supplementary risk information and should not replace standard cardiovascular risk assessment.