VCAM-1 blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, or VCAM-1, is a protein found on the surface of the endothelium, the thin layer of cells lining the inside of blood vessels. When the endothelium is exposed to inflammatory signals, it produces more VCAM-1, which helps certain white blood cells stick to the vessel wall and move into the surrounding tissue. Some of this protein is released into the blood, and the soluble form is what is measured.

VCAM-1 has been studied in research on early changes in artery walls, inflammation of blood vessels, autoimmune conditions and kidney disease. It is an emerging marker that is mainly used alongside other tests and a clinical assessment, with limited use as a stand-alone screen. It is not used in routine NHS care to estimate heart risk.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. No GP referral is needed.

Important: if you have chest pain, breathlessness, weakness on one side of the body or other symptoms of a heart attack, stroke or clot, call 999 or go to A&E. Do not book a blood test.

Who it is for

• You and your practitioner are reviewing your circulation in detail and want a marker of blood vessel lining activity.
• You already know your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar and want additional context.
• You have an autoimmune or inflammatory condition affecting blood vessels.
• Your specialist has requested VCAM-1, or you are comparing it with a previous result.

Understanding your result

A raised VCAM-1 suggests the lining of the blood vessels is in an activated, inflamed state. This can be seen with smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, autoimmune disease, infection and reduced kidney function. Because the causes overlap, a raised value is not specific to any condition, and a normal value does not mean your circulation is free of risk.

Your report shows the laboratory reference range. Your practitioner will interpret the result with your established risk factors, and a result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not required. Try to book when you are well, and avoid smoking and strenuous exercise on the day of the test. Tell us about recent infections or surgery and about medicines such as statins, steroids or immune treatments. We will confirm any further preparation when you book.

VCAM-1 sits with other specialist vascular markers in Omnia Signature. For established heart risk measures, start with Heart Health, or browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a VCAM-1 blood test in Chiswick?

The VCAM-1 test costs £129. That covers your sample at our clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Can VCAM-1 predict a heart attack?

No. It is a research marker. Heart risk is assessed using age, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and family history.

How is VCAM-1 different from ICAM-1?

Both are adhesion molecules on activated blood vessel lining. They attract slightly different white blood cells and are often studied together.

Is this test useful on its own?

Its value is mainly as part of a wider assessment. On its own it cannot tell you whether you have blood vessel disease.