Lp-PLA2 (Lipoprotein Associated Phospholipase A2) Activity Test
Short Name: Lp-PLA2 Activity Test
Also known as: PLAC Test, Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) Activity, Lipoprotein Associated Phospholipase A2 Activity, Lp-PLA2 Enzyme Activity, Vascular Inflammation Marker
Lp-PLA2 (Lipoprotein Associated Phospholipase A2) Activity Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹3,500. Uses CLIA (Chemiluminescent Immunoassay) on Serum samples. Results in Sample collection: Monday through Saturday before 5:00 PM. Report delivery: Within 10 business days from sample collection. Reports are available via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The Lp-PLA2 Activity Test is performed to evaluate the level of vascular inflammation and assess the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). It helps identify individuals who may be at elevated risk for heart attack, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease, even when traditional lipid markers appear normal. This test serves as an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and can assist physicians in making more informed decisions regarding statin therapy initiation, dosage adjustments, and the intensity of lifestyle interventions. It is also used to monitor treatment response in patients already receiving lipid-lowering or anti-inflammatory therapy.
- Test Code
- 1195
- CPT Code
- 83698
- ICD Code
- R79.89
- Price
- ₹3,500
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Sample collection: Monday through Saturday before 5:00 PM. Report delivery: Within 10 business days from sample collection. Reports are available via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- Yes (8 hours)
- Method
- CLIA (Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)
Sample Collection
Overnight fasting for 8–12 hours is preferred before sample collection. Continue taking prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your physician. Avoid strenuous physical exercise for 24 hours before the test. Inform the phlebotomist about any current medications, supplements, or recent illnesses.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A trained phlebotomist will collect approximately 2 mL of blood via venipuncture from a vein in your arm. The blood will be drawn into a Serum Separator Tube (SST / Gold-top vacutainer). The procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes and may cause minor discomfort or a slight bruise at the puncture site.
Report Delivery
After blood collection, gentle pressure will be applied to the puncture site with cotton wool or a bandage. You may resume normal activities and your regular diet immediately after the sample is drawn. Results are typically available within 10 days and will be shared via your preferred delivery method (online portal, email, or WhatsApp).
Timeline: Sample collection: Monday through Saturday before 5:00 PM. Report delivery: Within 10 business days from sample collection. Reports are available via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The Lp-PLA2 Activity Test is performed to evaluate the level of vascular inflammation and assess the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). It helps identify individuals who may be at elevated risk for heart attack, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease, even when traditional lipid markers appear normal. This test serves as an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and can assist physicians in making more informed decisions regarding statin therapy initiation, dosage adjustments, and the intensity of lifestyle interventions. It is also used to monitor treatment response in patients already receiving lipid-lowering or anti-inflammatory therapy.
How to Prepare
- Overnight fasting for 8–12 hours is preferred before sample collection
- Collect 2 mL (minimum 1 mL) of serum from 1 SST (Serum Separator Tube)
- Ship the sample refrigerated (2–8°C) or frozen (−20°C) to the laboratory
- Avoid hemolysis during collection; use gentle venipuncture technique
- Label the sample clearly with patient name, date, and collection time
- Complete the test requisition form with clinical history and current medications
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"Lp-PLA2 is a vascular-specific inflammatory biomarker that provides additive value to traditional cardiovascular risk factors. It is particularly useful in patients at intermediate cardiovascular risk, where it helps reclassify risk and guide decisions regarding lipid-lowering therapy, lifestyle modification, and the intensity of preventive interventions. Elevated Lp-PLA2 activity reflects enzymatic degradation of oxidized phospholipids within atherosclerotic plaques, contributing to plaque instability. I recommend this test alongside a comprehensive lipid panel and hs-CRP for a more complete assessment of cardiovascular inflammation."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric samples that may interfere with assay performance
- Samples collected in incorrect tube type (non-SST tubes)
- Samples without proper labeling or requisition form
- Samples that have exceeded the stability limit at the specified storage condition
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 1 mL serum)
Understanding Your Results
Low cardiovascular risk. Lp-PLA2 activity is within a range associated with a lower probability of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. Continue routine cardiovascular health maintenance and risk factor management.
Range: < 123 nmol/min/mL
Moderate cardiovascular risk. Lp-PLA2 activity indicates an intermediate level of vascular inflammation. Your physician may recommend intensified lifestyle modifications, closer monitoring of lipid levels, and possible initiation or adjustment of lipid-lowering therapy.
Range: 123–200 nmol/min/mL
High cardiovascular risk. Elevated Lp-PLA2 activity is strongly associated with increased risk of heart attack, ischemic stroke, and other atherosclerotic events. Urgent consultation with a cardiologist is recommended for comprehensive risk evaluation, potential initiation of statin therapy, and aggressive management of all modifiable risk factors.
Range: > 200 nmol/min/mL
Consult your cardiologist or physician if your Lp-PLA2 activity is above 123 nmol/min/mL, especially if you have additional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, or a family history of cardiovascular disease. Immediate medical consultation is recommended if your Lp-PLA2 activity is above 200 nmol/min/mL, as this indicates a significantly elevated vascular inflammation burden requiring active clinical intervention. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized interpretation and management.
Limitations
- ⚠Lp-PLA2 Activity is an adjunctive marker and should not be used as a standalone diagnostic tool for cardiovascular disease
- ⚠Results must always be interpreted in the context of a comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment including lipid profile, blood pressure, glucose levels, and clinical history
- ⚠Ethnic and population-specific reference ranges may vary; interpretation should be individualized
- ⚠This test does not localize the site of atherosclerotic plaque or quantify plaque burden
- ⚠The test is not recommended for low-risk populations where the pre-test probability of cardiovascular events is minimal
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor pain or discomfort at the venipuncture site
- ●Small bruise or hematoma at the blood draw site (resolves within a few days)
- ●Fainting or lightheadedness in sensitive individuals
- ●Extremely rare risk of infection at the puncture site
- ●No significant or long-term risks associated with this blood test
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent acute illness, infection, or trauma may transiently affect enzyme levels
- ●Use of certain lipid-lowering medications (e.g., statins, fibrates) may lower Lp-PLA2 activity
- ●Severe hemolysis in the blood sample can interfere with assay accuracy
- ●Non-fasting samples may yield marginally different results; overnight fasting is preferred
- ●Liver disease or chronic inflammatory conditions may influence baseline enzyme activity
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Lp-PLA2 (Lipoprotein Associated Phospholipase A2) Activity Test | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Lp-PLA2 (Lipoprotein Associated Phospholipase A2) Activity Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
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