What it measures
Lp-PLA2 (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2) is an enzyme carried mainly on LDL cholesterol particles. It is made mostly by immune cells, including those in the walls of arteries. The test, sometimes called the PLAC test, measures its activity in the blood.
Why people test it
- Included in some private heart panels alongside cholesterol tests.
- Used as an extra marker of inflammation in artery walls when heart risk is being judged.
- Not part of routine NHS heart checks, so it is mostly tested privately.
Typical range
Ranges and cut-offs vary by lab and method, as tests of the enzyme's activity and of its amount give different results. Your report shows the lab's own range.
Finger-prick or vein?
A finger-prick sample is often enough, as the test needs only a small amount of serum. A vein sample is taken where a lab or a larger panel needs more blood.