PLAC blood test

Need to know

• What happens during a PLAC blood test? icon plus

  PLAC involves taking one or more samples of blood, usually from a vein in your arm. This stage of the procedure should only take a few moments, and will be carried out as an outpatient appointment, and you can go home straight afterwards.

  The sample or samples will then be tested, and your GP or consultant will let you know when you can expect the results, usually with 24 to 48 hours.

  These will reveal whether you have a low, medium or high cardiovascular risk.

• How to prepare for a PLAC blood test icon plus

  Your GP or consultant will explain what will happen during the test and will answer any questions you may have.

  You should let them know if you are taking any blood thinning medication, such as aspirin, or if you have any condition that makes you more likely to bleed or bruise. They will let you know exactly what you should do beforehand. This may involve avoiding a particular medication or eating for a certain amount of time prior to your blood test.

• After your blood test icon plus

  The next steps depend on your results.

  • If they show you are a low cardiovascular risk, they will be sent to your GP who will let you know.
  • If they identify you as being a medium or high risk, you are likely to be referred to a cardiovascular consultant. They will discuss these results and may offer a tailored programme from our multidisciplinary team to help you manage your lifestyle. This could include input from physiotherapists and dieticians, who will make recommendations to minimise your risk of cardiovascular disease.