Medichecks Heart & cholesterol

PLAC (LP-PLA2) Blood Test

A single-marker blood test for Lp-PLA2, used alongside standard cholesterol markers to look at arterial inflammation. Suits people who already track cholesterol and want an additional marker.

  • At-home test
  • Doctor reviewed
Sample
Blood
Collection
At-home finger-prick or in-store clinic or home nurse visit or venous draw at clinic
Results in
3 days
Biomarkers
1
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Tests for
  • Lp-PLA2

Test specifications

Provider
Medichecks
Sample type
blood
Collection method
at-home finger-prick or in-store clinic or home nurse visit or venous draw at clinic
Turnaround time
3 days
Biomarkers tested
1
At-home test
Yes
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Gender focus
Both

What's tested

1 biomarker as listed by Medichecks.

Cholesterol status

  • Lp-PLA2

About this test

This test measures lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), a marker commonly used alongside standard cholesterol tests to look at arterial inflammation, which some people use for a fuller picture of cardiovascular risk factors.

We do not have a comparison group of similar tests to benchmark this one against directly, so it is considered here against the wider set of heart health tests we track rather than named peers.

Value for money scores close to average, with £129 sitting only around 3% above the £125 median for the 27 similarly sized heart health tests we track. Collection convenience scores well because it can be done at home with a finger-prick kit, at a clinic, or via a home nurse visit, with results back within 3 days. Clinical depth scores more modestly, reflecting that a single marker sits in the lower fifth of heart health tests we track by marker count, while trust signals and results and follow-up both score well.

Who is it for?

This suits people who already track standard cholesterol markers and want to add a single, specific marker of arterial inflammation, rather than a full cardiovascular panel, and who want the option to test at home.

We do not track a comparable Lp-PLA2 test from another provider to suggest as a cheaper or more convenient alternative.

How it works

You can collect a sample at home with a finger-prick kit, or have a venous blood draw at an in-store clinic or via a home nurse visit. Medichecks states results are returned within 3 days, with a doctor's comment included as standard.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • At-home finger-prick option available alongside clinic testing
  • Priced close to the £125 median for similarly sized heart health tests we track
  • Results returned within 3 days

Cons

  • Measures a single marker only; not a full cardiovascular panel
  • Clinical depth sits in the lower fifth of heart health tests we track by marker count

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score At-home Lp-PLA2 heart inflammation marker test
Editorial confidence: 10.0/10

This single-marker test measures Lp-PLA2, an arterial inflammation marker linked to cardiovascular risk, for £129, close to the £125 median for the 27 similarly sized heart health tests we track. You can test at home with a finger-prick kit or at a clinic, with results back within 3 days and a doctor's comment included.

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 8.0/10

    The listing publishes a short 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 9.0/10

    A finger-prick sample you take at home; with a venous or clinic option as well; a home nurse visit is offered; results in around 3 days, in line with or faster than similar tests.

  • Results and follow-up 7.0/10

    Results are reviewed by a doctor; the provider does not describe the report format.

  • Trust signals 9.5/10

    Trustpilot 4.5 from 2,477 reviews; accredited lab (UKAS ISO 15189 partner labs); doctor review as standard; trading 25+ years.

  • Value for money 6.3/10

    £129.00 against a median of £125.00 for the 27 similarly sized heart health tests we track (+3%).

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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