Do you have any queries?

or Call us now at 9982-782-555

back-arrow-image Search Health Packages, Tests & More

Lp- PLA2 Test (PLAC)Cardiac Risk Marker Serum

50+ booked in last 3 days

Lp-PLA2 Test Overview

The Lp-PLA2 test, also known as the PLAC test, measures lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), an enzyme linked to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as "bad" cholesterol. This enzyme is involved in the inflammation process in blood vessels and is produced in atherosclerotic plaques. Elevated levels of Lp-PLA2 indicate increased inflammation, which can destabilize plaques and raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke. The test helps identify individuals at higher risk for these conditions.

Lp-PLA2 test measures the concentration of Lp-PLA2(lipoprotein - associated phospholipase A2 a vascular-specific inflammatory marker implicated in the formation of rupture-prone plaque. It is a biomarker providing information on risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. It is produced in the plaque itself. It is vascular specific unlike other inflammatory markers that measure systemic inflammation. 

The Lp-PLA2 (PLAC) Cardiac Risk Marker is a medical test. This test can determine the level of lipoprotein-related phospholipase (Lp-PLA2) in plasma. Lp-PLA2 is an enzyme that is carried by low-density lipoprotein. LDL transports Lp-PLA2 towards the coronary artery walls and triggers an inflammatory reaction here. If this condition is present, the plaque will be more likely to rupture. Therefore, Lp-PLA2 levels above a certain threshold signal an elevated risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Why is the Lp-PLA2 (PLAC) Cardiac Risk Marker Serum test done?

An Lp-PLA2 serum test is advised to determine how inflamed the blood vessels are. Compared to a routine cholesterol check, this provides a more thorough picture of the risk of developing heart disease. This may be done if,

  • There is a family history of heart disease at a young age.
  • High LDL values are discovered despite taking treatment.
  • Hypercholesterolemia runs in the family.
  • Pre-existing blood vessel conditions with normal levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides.
  • Personal history of heart conditions requiring or not requiring surgery.

Written by: Dr.Shibani R, Medical Writer, Medical Affairs

Reasons for Undergoing the Lp-PLA2 Test

Healthcare providers may recommend the Lp-PLA2 test for individuals with a family history of early-onset heart disease, high LDL levels, or genetic high cholesterol conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia. It’s also useful for those with existing vascular conditions, a personal history of cardiac events, or other risk factors such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, smoking, or obesity.

List of Parameters Considered During the Lp-PLA2 Test

The Lp-PLA2 test focuses on measuring the concentration of Lp-PLA2 in the blood. Here's what this parameter indicates:

  • Lp-PLA2 Levels: The test quantifies the amount of Lp-PLA2 enzyme in the blood. High levels of Lp-PLA2 suggest an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, due to the enzyme's role in promoting inflammation and destabilising atherosclerotic plaques. Conversely, low levels indicate that Lp-PLA2 is not significantly contributing to the risk of heart disease.

Lp-PLA2 Test Preparation

Preparing for the Lp-PLA2 test is relatively simple. While not always required, some doctors may recommend fasting for 8 to 12 hours before the PLAC test, especially if it is being conducted alongside other lipid profile tests.

Lp-PLA2 Test Results & Interpretation

The results of the Lp-PLA2 test are interpreted as follows:

  • Normal Levels: Serum levels under 200 ng/mL are generally considered normal, indicating a lower risk of cardiovascular events.
  • Borderline Levels: Levels between 200 and 235 ng/mL are considered borderline, suggesting a moderate risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • High Levels: Levels above 235 ng/mL indicate an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. High Lp-PLA2 levels may warrant more aggressive lipid-lowering therapy to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Home Collection for Lp-PLA2 Test

Home collection for the Lp-PLA2 test offers a convenient and comfortable option for individuals who prefer to have their blood samples collected in the privacy of their own homes. Metropolis Healthcare provides a reliable home collection service, where a trained phlebotomist visits your residence to collect the blood sample. This service ensures the highest standards of sample handling and testing accuracy, without compromising on the quality of results.

With timely and reliable reporting, you can receive your Lp-PLA2 test results promptly, enabling you to take proactive steps towards managing your cardiovascular health. Metropolis Healthcare's commitment to making healthcare accessible underscores its dedication to providing quality diagnostic solutions conveniently at your doorstep.

Read More

Lp- PLA2 Test (PLAC)Cardiac Risk Marker Serum Price

Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Lp- PLA2 Test (PLAC)Cardiac Risk Marker Serum with a clear pricing structure.

The Lp- PLA2 Test (PLAC)Cardiac Risk Marker Serum Price in Mumbai is ₹ 2,650 .

We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lp pla2 plac test assesses your cardiac health. Cholesterol testing alone may fall short to detect a definitive diagnosis and cholesterol test can miss hidden risks for heart attack. Around 50% of heart attacks occur in patients with normal cholesterol; rather most cardiovascular (CV) events i.e., heart attack and strokes are caused due to rupture of plaque that is formed by cholesterol deposition within the blood vessels.

In heart diseases, it's known that an unhealthy lifestyle-such as intake of fatty foods, excess alcohol and smoking have a significant role to play in developing the risk of a stroke. This can shoot up cholesterol levels and increases blood pressure. Blood vessels become clogged with fatty deposits which will dislodge and make their route to the brain, depriving it of oxygen. Despite the fact, the doctors still opine that significant number of events occur in people with no obvious risk factors for the disease, hence measuring these levels is critical. 
Eventually, the unstable plaque can rupture, become potential lethal clots and debris loose in bloodstream—causing a stroke or a heart attack . PLAC test is second generation enzyme linked immunoassay test, helping doctors with prediction of future strokes and heart attack

Lp pla2 plac test measures Lp- PLA2 (PLAC)Cardiac risk marker in blood of patient

During lp pla2 plac test blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

A blood sample is required for the test. This test must be carried out in a lab with a modern Lp-PLA2-PLAC test facility. To collect the blood sample, the nurse will clean the skin with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. A tourniquet will be firmly fastened on your upper arm. You will be asked to make a fist to fill your vein with blood. Next, a needle will be inserted into the vein and blood will be drawn in a vacutainer. The blood sample is then delivered to the lab for analysis.

High Lp- PLA2 levels may indicate need for more aggressive lipid lowering therapy to reduce the risk of CVD events. Patient with high levels are prone to rupture of plaque and associated cardiovascular events Low levels may mean that Lp- PLA2 levels are not contributing to the heart disease.

You may need to fast for a minimum of 8 to 12 hours before going for the Lp- PLA2 (PLAC) test. Although some doctors do not recommend fasting, most often this test is carried out in tandem with some other lipid-profile tests. These lipid profile tests need you to fast.

Lp- PLA2 serum levels under 200 ng/mL are considered normal. Some medical organizations define borderline levels as those between 200 and 235 ng/mL.

A cardiac risk calculator estimates your potential risk of cardiovascular illness (heart disease) based on your individual health data.

Your chance of developing heart disease rises if you are overweight, particularly if you are obese in the middle. Blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are just a few problems that can be brought on by being overweight. These conditions can further raise your risk of developing heart disease.

An Lp-PLA2 test may be prescribed by your doctor to assess the risk of developing a heart condition or stroke. The test is often prescribed for individuals who are already at moderate to high risk of developing heart disease. Such factors mainly include:

  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Older adults aged 65+
  • Excess weight
  • Hypothyroidism (reduced levels of thyroid hormone in the body)
  • Those undergoing treatment for hypercholesterolaemia
  • Family history of heart attack

Doctors may also advise the Lp- PLA2 (PLAC) serum test for people with lifestyle issues such as:

  • Lack of physical activity
  • Unhealthy diet (oily or fried food and processed food)
  • smoking and alcohol consumption

To determine the levels of triglycerides (lipids) in your blood, your doctor could conduct lipid profile examinations. They involve the quantitative assessment of -

  • Total cholesterol.
  • Apolipoprotein A.
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL).
  • Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL.
  • Triglycerides.
  • Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL).

Your doctor may also prescribe blood tests and imaging tests depending on your symptoms. These include:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP)
  • Chest X-ray
  • ECG
  • Stress test
  • Echocardiogram
  • Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2)
  • PLAC Test

The Lp-PLA2 test is a diagnostic tool that measures the concentration of Lp-PLA2, an enzyme associated with LDL cholesterol. It helps assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke by identifying inflammation in the blood vessels.

Yes, many laboratories like Metropolis Healthcare offer home sample collection for the Lp-PLA2 blood test. This convenient service allows you to have your blood sample collected by a trained professional in the comfort of your own home.

The Lp-PLA2 test is used to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in identifying individuals at risk of heart attacks and strokes. It measures the level of the Lp-PLA2 enzyme, which is associated with vascular inflammation and plaque instability.

The frequency of the Lp-PLA2 test depends on your individual risk factors and your healthcare provider's advice. It is typically recommended for those at moderate to high risk of cardiovascular diseases and may be repeated as part of ongoing monitoring and risk assessment.

There is no specific time requirement for the Lp-PLA2 test. However, if fasting is required, it is often recommended to schedule the test in the morning after an overnight fast of 8 to 12 hours.

Fasting for 8 to 12 hours may be recommended for the Lp-PLA2 test, especially if the test is conducted along with other lipid profile tests.

The Lp-PLA2 test measures the concentration of the Lp-PLA2 enzyme in the blood. This enzyme is a vascular-specific inflammatory marker associated with LDL cholesterol and helps assess the risk of cardiovascular events.

The Lp-PLA2 test involves collecting a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The skin is cleaned, and a tourniquet is applied before the blood is drawn into a test tube. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

The Lp-PLA2 test should be done based on the recommendation of your healthcare provider, particularly if you have risk factors such as family history of heart disease, high LDL levels, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or other cardiovascular risk factors.

The blood collection process for the Lp-PLA2 test typically takes less than five minutes.

Reports for the Lp-PLA2 test are usually available within 24 hours after the sample is collected and processed. However, the exact turnaround time may vary depending on the lab and location. Check with your diagnostic centre for specific timelines.

full medical check up

Ratings & Reviews (0)

No reviews available

Why Metropolis?

Metropolis has a team of 200 senior pathologists and over 2000 technicians delivering diagnostic solutions in the areas of routine, semi specialty and super specialty domains like Oncology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Nephrology and many more.

We offer a comprehensive range of 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and profiles, which are used for prediction, early detection, diagnostic screening, confirmation and/or monitoring of the disease.

lab image
170+ Advanced Labs
lab image
Trusted by Leading Doctors & Hospitals
lab images
Over 2000+ Scientific Officers
reports image
Proficiency Testing for Accurate Reports

Our Blog

Take a look at some of the related content from our blog

Latest Blogs & News

View More
View all