When it comes to evaluating a person’s health, doctors use a wide variety of tests and measurements called biomarkers. These can range from simple readings such as blood pressure to sophisticated genetic analyses. In between are dozens of tests performed on blood, urine, and other samples that can diagnose disease, measure damage, and
collect information about the function of every organ in the body, from lungs and liver to bones and bowels. Biomarkers can provide a snapshot of a person’s health, but their real power is seen when they track the course of change over time. By enabling individuals to follow the components of their health, biomarkers can chart the direction of wellness and provide benchmarks for personal health goals.