Biomarker Testing — The Longevity Panel Comparison Guide

The standard blood panel misses 8 of the 12 markers that predict longevity outcomes.

apoB, hs-CRP, homocysteine, HbA1c, fasting insulin, ApoE, GGT, and Lp(a) rarely appear on a routine physical — but each has cohort mortality data behind it. Below: the 12 markers we actually run, the target ranges, and the labs that offer them direct-to-consumer.

Sources: Willeit et al., JAMA Cardiology 2017 · Ridker, Circulation 2016 · Attia clinical framework.

The standard annual physical orders a basic lipid panel that misses the markers that actually matter for longevity. apoB beats LDL-C. Lp(a) is a once-in-a-lifetime measurement. The Omega-3 Index predicts cardiovascular mortality independently of cholesterol. Most primary care doesn't run any of these.

Direct-to-consumer biomarker testing services have solved this gap. This page is the comparison shortlist — what each service actually measures, what they cost, how long results take, and which service fits which use case. We've compared them against the advanced panel Attia, Means, and Dayspring's frameworks actually use.

Tier 1 — Comprehensive Longevity Panels

For adults running a full longevity protocol who want the comprehensive marker set in one panel. Both options below cover the advanced cardiovascular markers (apoB, Lp(a), Omega-3 Index), metabolic markers (fasting insulin, HOMA-IR), and the broader endocrine and inflammation context.

Tier 2 — Targeted Single-Panel Testing

For adults who want to start with a specific marker or panel rather than the comprehensive option. Useful for tracking one biomarker over time without the full membership cost.

Quick Decision Tree

• First time running an advanced biomarker panel: Function Health for the comprehensive baseline. Best ratio of marker breadth to cost.
• Already have recent comprehensive results, want focused tracking: Omega Quant for Omega-3 Index, LetsGetChecked for specific panels (vitamin D, thyroid).
• Active training + want intervention recommendations tied to performance: InsideTracker.
• Already have a longevity-focused primary care relationship: Order through them. The Attia-tradition practices and functional medicine practitioners order the advanced panel as standard.

The Research Behind the Marker Choices

The marker selection that distinguishes the longevity panel from the standard primary-care lipid panel is covered in detail across our research library. The deepest reads:

• apoB and Lp(a) — why particle count beats cholesterol content for cardiovascular risk
• The Omega-3 Index — what 8% means and the dose-response on supplementation
• Vitamin D Personalized Dosing — why 600 IU is wrong for most adults
• 10 Longevity Blood Markers — the broader panel context
• CGM for Healthy Adults — the daily data layer that pairs with the quarterly panel
• Biomarkers Research Hub — all 8 deep-dives under one pillar

The complete protocol guide — full panel, optimal-range thresholds, intervention-by-intervention retest cadence — is Decode Your Biology.

Affiliate disclosure: some links above are tracked affiliate links. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Tier 1 picks (Function Health, InsideTracker) were selected based on marker breadth, scientific advisory rigor, and fit with the Attia/Means/Dayspring clinical framework — not on commission rate. See our full affiliate disclosure.

Every claim is anchored to peer-reviewed literature — not influencer opinion, not personal anecdote.