Better2Know Heart & cholesterol

PLAC Test

Measures Lp-PLA2 (PLAC), an enzyme linked to inflammation in the arteries and associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Suited to anyone assessing cardiovascular risk alongside known factors like high cholesterol or blood pressure.

Sample
Blood
Collection
Venous draw at clinic or nurse visit
Results in
2 days
Biomarkers
1
Tests for
  • PLAC Test

Test specifications

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

What's tested

1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.

  • PLAC Test

About this test

PLAC is short for Lp-PLA2, an enzyme found in the blood. Better2Know's own materials describe raised levels as an indicator of inflammation in the coronary arteries, which is associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. It measures this single marker rather than a wider lipid or heart panel.

There are no other tests in the same comparison group in our data, so we cannot say directly how this test's price or depth compares with named competitors. Against the wider set of heart health tests we track, it scores modestly for clinical depth, sitting in the 20th percentile because it covers just one marker, and its £145 price is above the typical cost for similarly sized heart tests in that broader set.

Collection requires a venous blood draw, either at a clinic or via a home nurse visit, with results back within two working days. The listing itself is clear, with a full description, sample type, and collection options published. It scores less well for results and follow-up, since results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard, and for trust signals it carries the same Trustpilot rating of 4.2 from 775 reviews, CQC registration and 2008 founding date as across the Better2Know range.

Who is it for?

This suits you if you already have known cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of heart disease, or lifestyle risks like smoking or inactivity, and want to add an inflammation marker to your monitoring. If you have symptoms or wider concerns about your heart health, it's also worth discussing them with a GP. Because there are no comparable tests in our data for this comparison group, we cannot point you to a cheaper or deeper alternative; if you want a broader picture of your heart health rather than one marker, look for a heart health panel with more markers instead.

How it works

You provide a venous blood sample, either at a Better2Know clinic or with a home nurse visit. The sample is sent to the lab, and results are typically available within two working days of arrival. Results are shown in your secure online patient area; the fact sheet does not state that a doctor reviews results as standard.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Checks a specific inflammation marker (PLAC) linked to coronary artery risk
  • Home nurse visit available if you cannot get to a clinic
  • Results within two working days of the lab receiving your sample

Cons

  • No doctor review of results as standard
  • Costs more than typical similarly sized heart health tests we track
  • Only one marker, so it does not cover cholesterol or other heart risk factors on its own

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Single-marker inflammation test for cardiovascular risk
Editorial confidence: 9.0/10

This clinic-based blood test checks a single marker, Lp-PLA2 (PLAC), linked to inflammation in the coronary arteries. At £145, it costs more than the typical similarly sized heart health test we track, and results are not reviewed by a doctor 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 5.0/10

    Requires a venous draw at a clinic; a home nurse visit is offered; 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 5.7/10

    £145.00 against a median of £125.00 for the 27 similarly sized heart health tests we track (+16%).

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

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