Better2Know Heart & cholesterol

Lipoprotein (a) Test

Measures lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), a cholesterol-related particle whose levels are largely inherited and linked to cardiovascular risk beyond standard cholesterol tests.

Sample
Blood
Collection
Venous draw at clinic or nurse visit
Results in
1 day

Test specifications

Provider
Better2Know
Sample type
blood
Collection method
venous draw at clinic or nurse visit
Turnaround time
1 day
At-home test
No
Doctor reviewed
No
Gender focus
Both

About this test

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a cholesterol-carrying particle similar to LDL cholesterol but with an added protein, apolipoprotein(a), attached. Unlike standard cholesterol, Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetics rather than diet or lifestyle, and elevated levels are linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke and narrowing of the aortic valve. It is typically relevant if you have a personal or family history of early heart disease or stroke, or if your LDL cholesterol alone does not explain your cardiovascular risk.

Better2Know's listing sets out what Lp(a) is and why it matters clearly, along with the sample type and turnaround, but it does not state how many biomarkers the report actually includes, so we cannot confirm whether this is a single Lp(a) reading or part of a wider panel. We also do not have another Lp(a) test from a different provider in our data to compare the £195 price against.

It scores reasonably for clarity given the detail in the listing, though this is held back by the missing biomarker count, and this same gap is why it scores low for clinical depth in our comparison, not because the test itself is necessarily limited. Price and collection convenience sit around the middle, and, in line with the rest of Better2Know's range, it loses marks on results and follow-up because the result is not reviewed by a doctor as standard.

Who is it for?

This suits people with a personal or family history of early heart disease or stroke, or a diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia, who want to check a cardiovascular risk marker that standard cholesterol tests do not cover. Because Better2Know does not state exactly what the report includes beyond the Lp(a) result itself, it is worth asking the provider directly what your results will show before booking, and discussing elevated results with a GP, since Lp(a) is not something lifestyle changes alone can lower.

How it works

You provide a venous blood sample at a Better2Know clinic, or a home nurse visit can be arranged instead. The sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis, and Better2Know states results are typically ready within one working day of arrival. The provider does not state on the listing exactly what the report covers beyond the Lp(a) result itself. Results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Covers Lp(a), a cardiovascular risk marker not included in standard cholesterol panels.
  • Better2Know's listing explains what Lp(a) is and why it is relevant in more depth than most of its listings.
  • Can be booked at a clinic or via a home nurse visit.

Cons

  • The provider does not state how many biomarkers the report includes.
  • No comparable Lp(a) test from another provider in our data to check whether £195 is good value.
  • Results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Genetic heart-risk marker, panel details unclear
Editorial confidence: 7.0/10

This test measures Lp(a), a genetically influenced cholesterol particle linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and artery narrowing, using a single blood sample. At £195 we do not have a comparable Lp(a) test from another provider in our data to check it against, and Better2Know does not state on the listing exactly how many biomarkers the report covers. Results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 7.0/10

    The listing publishes a detailed description, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state the biomarkers measured, what the report looks like.

  • Clinical depth 3.5/10

    The provider does not state how many biomarkers are measured, so depth cannot be assessed.

  • Collection convenience 6.0/10

    Requires a venous draw at a clinic; a home nurse visit is offered; results in around 1 days, well ahead of the heart health norm of 3.

  • Results and follow-up 3.0/10

    Results are not doctor-reviewed and no consultation is included; the provider does not describe the report format.

  • Trust signals 6.5/10

    Trustpilot 4.2 from 775 reviews; CQC registered; trading 18+ years.

  • Value for money 6.0/10

    £195.00; no comparable tests to benchmark against yet.

Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.

More in Heart & cholesterol

View all →
Thriva

Cardiovascular health blood test

Broad 21-marker check across heart, liver and kidneys

A 21-marker blood test covering cholesterol and apolipoproteins, blood sugar, inflammation, liver and kidney health. It suits anyone wanting a fuller cardiovascular risk picture than standard cholesterol alone.

  • At-home test
8.6 / 10
£118.00
Full review →
Thriva

Cholesterol (Lipid profile)

Ties for the most markers in its group, priced mid-pack

A seven-marker lipid profile covering total, HDL, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol plus triglycerides. It suits anyone monitoring their cholesterol as part of general heart health.

  • At-home test
8.6 / 10
£47.70
Full review →
Selph

Cholesterol Blood Test

Full 7-marker lipid panel, priced above cheaper peers

A 7-marker cholesterol and lipid panel covering total, HDL, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and cholesterol ratios, for anyone tracking heart disease risk factors.

  • At-home test
8.5 / 10
£49.00
Full review →