Longevity Testing Essentials: Our Criteria for Actionable Results

Discover the core principles that guide our test selection and how it ensures you only get meaningful, actionable results.

Article Highlights

• We use a rigorous set of criteria—human-based evidence, actionable value, and consistent lab quality—to determine which tests make it into our panels.
• This careful process prevents the inclusion of trendy but unproven markers, focusing instead on what genuinely helps you improve your health.
• We partner only with top-tier labs and stay open to refining our metrics as research evolves, ensuring you always have reliable, up-to-date insights.
• By holding ourselves to these high standards, we stand out from competitors that may adopt new tests too hastily.

Ever wondered what’s behind the curtain when we select the tests you see in your kit?

‍Our process isn’t guesswork or trend-chasing. Instead, it’s governed by a clear framework designed to ensure every metric provides meaningful guidance. Understanding these criteria can help you appreciate why your panel looks the way it does—and why we might reject certain flashy new markers that pop up elsewhere.

1. Human-Based Evidence: Our First Gateway

‍Before any metric lands in your results dashboard, it must pass the test of human evidence. What does that mean? We dive into peer-reviewed studies involving real people, not just animals or cell cultures. This filter ensures that when we say a biomarker correlates with longevity or healthspan, it’s not speculative. We want robust data showing that, for instance, higher levels of a certain marker consistently associate with better metabolic health or improved cardiovascular resilience in diverse human populations.

For example, if we consider a nutrient biomarker, we’ll look for studies linking that nutrient to outcomes like reduced disease risk or enhanced physical function. If the evidence is mixed, limited, or only found in animal studies, we’re not convinced. We’d rather wait until the science is clearer. This patience means you’re not paying for tests that lack real-world relevance.

2. Actionable Value: Beyond Numbers for Numbers’ Sake

‍Suppose a test meets the human-evidence threshold. The next question: Can you actually do something about it? We avoid metrics that only confirm what’s already obvious or that lack any known intervention path. Knowing your body’s intricacies is interesting, but we believe tests should empower you to change something for the better. That’s why we focus on metrics that respond to lifestyle interventions—adjusting your diet, tweaking your exercise routine, improving sleep habits, or managing stress more effectively.

For instance, if a particular inflammation marker consistently drops when people adopt a Mediterranean-style diet or incorporate regular aerobic exercise, that’s powerful. It means seeing a high reading isn’t just bad news—it’s a motivator to try specific interventions. This stands in contrast to tests that might say you’re at risk but don’t offer a clear way forward.

3. Quality and Consistency: Working With Top-Tier Labs

‍A test’s usefulness also depends on its reliability. Even the best-chosen metrics won’t help if the results are inconsistent or prone to lab errors. We exclusively partner with labs that follow rigorous quality control protocols. We evaluate their accreditation, their track record, and their standardization methods. The goal is simple: ensure that when your blood sample or saliva test is analyzed, it meets the same high standards every time. This reliability matters especially if you’re tracking progress over months or years. You need to know that improvements or setbacks reflect real changes, not lab fluctuations.

4. Considering the Practical Side: Ease of Collection and Turnaround

‍While not always the deciding factor, we also think about how easy it is for you to provide samples and how quickly we can get results back. If two tests offer similar insights but one requires a complicated procedure and takes weeks for results, while the other is simpler and faster, we’ll lean toward the more practical option. Your experience matters—not just what the test reveals, but how painless the process is.

A Real-Life Example: Choosing a Metabolic Marker

‍Let’s illustrate with a hypothetical scenario. Say we’re evaluating a new metabolic biomarker that some early studies suggest can predict type 2 diabetes risk. The first few studies look promising but are small and conducted in very specific populations (like a certain age group or ethnicity). Furthermore, no clear interventions have emerged that effectively modify this marker.

We’d ask: Are there larger, well-designed human trials? If not, we’d probably hold off. We might monitor emerging research for a year or two. Perhaps after that period, new studies confirm the marker’s predictive power and show that dietary fiber intake or strength training can meaningfully improve it. Now we have both human evidence and an intervention angle. We’d then consider adding it to our panels, ensuring the lab we partner with can measure it reliably.

Why Not Embrace Every New Trendy Marker?

‍We understand the appeal of novelty. In a marketplace full of bold claims, adopting every new marker might seem like a way to stand out. But we prefer steady credibility over quick attention. Our customers trust us because we’re cautious and grounded in science. While a competitor might add a just-published biomarker to their offerings, we’d rather wait and see if further research confirms its value. This approach safeguards you from investing in tests that might soon be debunked or revealed as less useful than initially claimed.

Evolving Science and Adjusting Course

‍The criteria we use aren’t static. Science evolves, and we adapt. If a marker we’ve previously considered marginal suddenly gets strong backing from new research, we can incorporate it. Conversely, if a metric we’ve included falls out of favor—maybe larger studies show it’s not as predictive as we thought—we’ll remove it or explain its changed status to our customers.

This transparency sets us apart. We won’t cling to outdated markers just because they were once popular. By maintaining an open, evidence-driven mindset, we keep your results as relevant and trustworthy as possible.

Addressing Limitations and Uncertainty

‍No biomarker is perfect, and no test can guarantee a particular health outcome. We’re clear about that. Our chosen metrics are tools, not crystal balls. Still, by applying our criteria, we maximize the odds that the tools we provide are truly helpful. When a test meets all these requirements—robust human data, actionable interventions, reliable labs, and practical collection methods—it earns its place in your kit.

We’re also transparent about the evolving nature of this field. Sometimes you’ll see disclaimers noting that while the evidence for a certain marker is strong, new research could refine our understanding. We believe acknowledging these nuances fosters trust. You deserve honesty, not hype.

How Our Approach Benefits You

‍Imagine receiving your results and seeing a few key areas highlighted—maybe your blood glucose patterns suggest trying a protein-rich breakfast, or your VO2 max reading indicates adding short interval workouts could boost endurance. Instead of feeling lost or skeptical, you feel empowered. You know these tests weren’t chosen at random. They passed a demanding vetting process, meaning the guidance you receive stems from credible science and practical wisdom.

This careful curation process may seem time-consuming or conservative, but it’s at the heart of what makes our service valuable. We’re not here to impress you with obscure, unproven markers. We’re here to help you live better, relying on tests that have earned the right to guide your journey.

Summary

‍Our testing criteria ensure that every marker you see in your results is backed by human evidence, leads to actionable changes, comes from high-quality labs, and evolves with the science. This sets us apart from competitors who might add new tests too soon or fail to update old ones. With us, you can trust that your data isn’t just interesting—it’s genuinely useful. By prioritizing quality over quantity, we give you tools that matter, helping you move confidently toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.