Biomarker testing for health and wellness
Most of the numbers on a routine blood test are biomarkers. Wellness panels often bundle many of them into one order. Common ones include:
- Blood counts: see the CBC lab guide.
- Metabolic markers: glucose, kidney and liver tests; see the comprehensive metabolic panel and A1C.
- Heart markers: cholesterol and ApoB.
- Inflammation: hs-CRP.
- Hormones and vitamins: TSH, vitamin D and B12.
A result outside the reference range doesn't always mean a problem, and a normal result doesn't rule one out, so results are read alongside your symptoms and history. Ranges differ by lab, so track trends with the same lab when you can. Gabriel shows both the lab range and a narrower Gabriel optimal range for many markers.
Biomarker testing for cancer treatment
For people who have cancer, biomarker testing looks for genes, proteins and other substances in the tumor that can guide treatment. The National Cancer Institute says it is also called tumor testing, tumor profiling, genomic testing, molecular profiling or somatic testing.
- How it's done: usually on tissue from surgery or a biopsy. A liquid biopsy looks for cancer biomarkers in blood or other fluids.
- Who gets it: it is routine for some cancers, including non-small cell lung, breast and colorectal cancer, and often suggested for advanced cancer that has spread or come back.
- Why it matters: some targeted therapies and immunotherapies work mainly in tumors with particular changes.
- Not the same as inherited genetic testing. Most cancers are caused by changes in the tumor that can't be passed on. Testing for inherited risk is a separate test; see genetic testing.
A tumor test is a snapshot. If the cancer comes back after treatment, your oncologist may test again.
Is biomarker testing covered by insurance?
| Type | Typical coverage |
|---|---|
| Routine blood biomarkers ordered for symptoms or a condition | Usually covered as diagnostic tests, with your deductible and coinsurance; Medicare usually charges nothing for covered diagnostic lab tests |
| Wellness or longevity panels you order yourself | Usually self-pay |
| Tumor biomarker testing | Medicare and Medicaid cover some tests for advanced cancer; private insurers often cover a test when there is evidence it guides treatment |
For tumor testing, Medicare covers next-generation sequencing for people with advanced cancer when the test meets CMS criteria, including FDA-approved companion diagnostics. See does insurance cover lab tests for routine labs.
At-home biomarker kits
Many biomarker panels are sold as at-home finger-prick or mail-in kits. MedlinePlus advises using FDA-authorized tests, following the directions exactly, and contacting your clinician about any result. Home tests are not a replacement for care from your clinician, and home genetic tests can't diagnose disease.
Don't wait for a wellness panel if you have warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, a new lump, blood in your stool or urine, ongoing fever or night sweats. See a clinician promptly.
Common questions
What is a biomarker blood test?
It's a blood test that measures substances that reflect your health, such as cholesterol, glucose, inflammation markers or hormones. Most routine blood tests are biomarker tests.
What is biomarker testing for cancer?
It looks for changes in a tumor's genes, proteins or other substances to help choose treatment. It's done on tumor tissue or, with a liquid biopsy, on blood.
Is biomarker testing the same as genetic testing?
Not exactly. Tumor biomarker testing looks at changes in cancer cells that usually can't be inherited. Genetic testing for inherited risk looks at the DNA you were born with.
Does insurance cover biomarker testing?
Routine diagnostic labs are usually covered with cost sharing. For cancer, Medicare, Medicaid and many private plans cover some tumor tests; ask your insurer before testing.
Are at-home biomarker tests accurate?
They can be, if the test is FDA-authorized and you follow the instructions exactly. Share any result with your clinician before acting on it.
Sources
- Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment National Cancer Institute
- How to Understand Your Lab Results MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- At-Home Medical Tests MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- NCD 90.2: Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Diagnostic laboratory tests Medicare.gov
- Preventive vs. diagnostic screenings Highmark
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a visit with a licensed clinician. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.