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Bluecrest crestPLAC (Lp-PLA2) Home Test Kit

Bluecrest

Arterial plaque is a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries. It is made up of cholesterol, calcium, fat and other substances found in the blood. The accumulation of this plaque can lead to atherosclerosis, which refers to the furring or hardening of the arteries. This can be life-threatening as it can restrict the blood flow and affect organ function.

A PLAC (Lp-PLA2) test is a relatively new blood test used to identify inflammation in arteries. The test has been approved by the FDA in the United States for assessing the risk of stroke and coronary artery disease. It is used in individuals at increased risk of heart disease and stroke such as people who smoke, have high cholesterol or who have a hereditary increased risk of these conditions.

Individual Packages

PLAC (Lp-PLA2) Home Test Kit

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*Full price based on purchasing tests individually. Discount applied for purchasing tests as a package. All our tests have been specially designed to be convenient and non-invasive. Once you’ve booked your appointment, full preparation instructions will be provided in your confirmation email or letter. You can continue to eat and drink normally before your appointment, and you’ll also remain fully clothed throughout.

Individual Packages

PLAC (Lp-PLA2) Home Test Kit

Out of stock
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What is a Home PLAC Test Kit?

A PLAC test is a blood test that measures the amount of the enzyme Lp-PLA2 in the bloodstream, which appears to have a role in the inflammation in arteries and development of arterial plaques.

Atherosclerotic plaques can gradually develop and worsen over decades without any symptoms until the plaque ruptures. Therefore, getting an overview of your arterial health can help you understand your risk levels. This can simply be done with a home test kit, which is a convenient and non-invasive way to get tested from the comfort of your own home with a simple finger-prick kit.

This type of test is considered more reliable than other methods, particularly since an expert review published in the American Journal of Cardiology concluded that neither exercise heart testing on a treadmill nor most X-ray/ultrasound techniques will identify individuals at high risk for atherosclerotic plaque rupture.

What’s included in a home plaque test

Our home plaque test kits include:

  • A finger prick kit and vials for blood collection
  • A clear set of instructions
  • A pre-paid, self-adhesive Royal mail tracked service label
  • Results from an accredited lab within 8 days
  • Access to your own MyWellness online account to view your detailed results
  • Access to a 24/7 GP Helpline for a year

How to buy a PLAC test

Did you know you could also get a PLAC test as part of our more comprehensive Complete full body health MOT? This consists of in-depth, face-to-face health checks with a Health Assessment Specialists, which you can easily book online at one of over 2,000 mobile clinics available nationwide. You will receive a wide array of other key health markers and follow-up associated with the package chosen.

We provide great value with additional extras such as your own MyWellness results portal and 24/7 GP helpline access for a year being included with all our home test kits.

Health MOTs

Complete

£ 269

Includes a private GP consultation and a PLAC test to check your artery health.

£430 when bought separately

38 Blood Readings - 6 Clinician Checks - GP Consultation - 24/7 GP Helpline

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why take a Lp-PLA2 test?

    A Lp-PLA2 test is test is a blood test that measures the amount of inflammation in arteries by establishing the levels of the enzyme Lp-PLA2 in the bloodstream. If you are in a certain risk group (for instance have high blood pressure or are a smoker), the test can aid your healthcare provider in advising measures to lower your Lp-PLA2 levels.

    A home PLAC test is a convenient and non-invasive way to get tested from the comfort of your own home. This home blood test consists of a finger-prick kit, so you do not need to go to a clinic to do your test as you will be able to take your own blood sample yourself. You can do so by following the simple instructions in your pack, or even opt for a complimentary webcam session with a Virtual Health Coach to guide you through the sample-taking process step by step.

  • How do you prepare for a PLAC blood test?

    There is no preparation required to take a Bluecrest Advanced Plaque home blood test. You can continue to eat and drink as normal, and take any of your usual medication.

  • Is a PLAC test reliable?

    It is important to note that high levels of Lp-PLA2 do not always mean an increased risk of arterial disease and normal levels do not guarantee a there is no arterial disease present. Therefore, abnormal results should be assessed along with an of an overall assessment of cardiovascular risk including other risk factors such as blood pressure level, smoking history and cholesterol levels.

  • What is a PLAC test normal reading?

    The normal range for Lp-LPA2 is less than 200 ng/mL (nanograms per millimetre). If your result is higher, it could indicate inflammation in your arteries and may need further assessment by your GP.

    However, it is essential to note that normal ranges vary between laboratories – and factors including age, gender and other health conditions need to be taken into account in the interpretation of Lp-LPA2 results.

  • How can you lower your Lp-PLA2 levels?

    There are certain measures you can take to lower your Lp-PLA2 levels, as well as your risk of heart disease. These include:

    • Eating a heart-healthy diet consisting of plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grain foods combined with eating less fat.
    • Exercising regularly
    • Quitting smoking
    • Taking medications that reduce Lp-PLA2 levels
Base Home Test Kit £59 Book now Extra Home Test Kit £89 Book now Total Home Test Kit £119 Book now
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