Better2Know Heart & cholesterol

Lp-PLA2 (PLAC) Home Test Kit

An at-home finger-prick blood test measuring Lp-PLA2 (PLAC), an enzyme linked to inflammation in artery walls. Suited to people with cardiovascular risk factors who want an extra marker alongside standard cholesterol checks.

  • At-home test
  • Subscription available
Sample
Blood
Collection
At-home finger-prick, post to lab
Results in
2 days
Biomarkers
1
Tests for
  • PLAC Test

Test specifications

Provider
Better2Know
Sample type
blood
Collection method
at-home finger-prick, post to lab
Turnaround time
2 days
Biomarkers tested
1
At-home test
Yes
Doctor reviewed
No
Gender focus
Both

What's tested

1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.

  • PLAC Test

About this test

Lp-PLA2, often shortened to PLAC, is an enzyme that circulates in the blood and is commonly used as a marker of inflammation within the fatty deposits that can build up in artery walls. Raised levels are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, so the test can add extra information alongside standard cholesterol and blood pressure checks, though it is not a stand-alone measure of heart disease.

As a single-marker test, it sits in the lower band for clinical depth among the heart health tests we track. It scores strongly on price: at £75, it is around 40% cheaper than the £125 median for similarly sized heart health tests, making it a relatively low-cost way to add this specific marker to a wider health check.

The listing sets out the sample type, collection method and turnaround clearly, which is reflected in a strong clarity score. It loses marks on results and follow-up, since there is no doctor review as standard; you access your results yourself online, and would need a separate consultation, or your GP, to interpret a raised reading.

Who is it for?

This suits you if you already have cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of heart disease, and want an additional marker alongside your existing checks rather than a full heart panel. It is not designed to replace a broader cardiovascular workup, since it only measures this one enzyme, so if you want cholesterol, blood pressure markers and other heart indicators covered in the same test, look for a wider heart health panel instead.

How it works

You collect a finger-prick blood sample yourself at home and return it to Better2Know's laboratory. Results are ready within two working days of the sample arriving at the lab. You can view them through the secure online patient area, and a Patient Services adviser will also be in touch once they are available. There is no doctor review as standard; Better2Know can arrange a paid private consultation before or after the test if you want a clinician to talk through a raised result.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Costs around 40% less than the £125 median for similarly sized heart health tests.
  • Finger-prick sample you can collect yourself at home.
  • Results are ready within two working days of reaching the lab.
  • Listing clearly states the sample type, collection method and turnaround.

Cons

  • Measures only one marker, so it will not replace a full cardiovascular panel.
  • No doctor review as standard; a raised result needs a separate paid consultation.
  • Does not include cholesterol or blood pressure markers alongside PLAC.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Single heart marker priced below typical heart tests
Editorial confidence: 9.0/10

This home finger-prick kit measures a single marker, Lp-PLA2 (PLAC), an enzyme linked to inflammation in artery walls, for £75, some 40% below the £125 median for similarly sized heart health tests we track. It is a narrow, one-marker panel rather than a full cardiovascular workup, and results are not doctor-reviewed as standard.

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 9.0/10

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

  • Clinical depth 5.7/10

    1 biomarkers, placing it in the 20th percentile of heart health tests we track.

  • Collection convenience 7.0/10

    A finger-prick sample you take at home; results in around 2 days, in line with or faster than similar tests.

  • 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 8.5/10

    £75.00 against a median of £125.00 for the 27 similarly sized heart health tests we track (-40%).

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 →