Description

We all know our chronological age—but aging also occurs at the cellular level.

The SpectraCell Telomere Test measures the length of your telomeres, the protective structures located at the ends of your chromosomes. Telomeres naturally become shorter as cells divide and we age.

Your result is compared with telomere measurements from people in your same age range, providing insight into how your telomere length compares with an age-matched population.

What Are Telomeres?

Telomeres are protective sections of DNA located at the ends of chromosomes. You can think of them somewhat like the protective tips on shoelaces—they help protect genetic material during cell division.

Every time a cell divides, its telomeres generally become a little shorter. Eventually, very short telomeres can limit the cell's ability to continue dividing.

Telomere length is influenced by many factors, including genetics, aging, oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic health, nutrition and lifestyle.

What Does the Test Measure?

The SpectraCell Telomere Test measures telomere length in white blood cells (T-lymphocytes) and calculates a Telomere Score.

Your result is compared with an age-matched reference population.

This can help answer an interesting question:

Are my telomeres longer or shorter than expected for someone my age?

Why Consider Telomere Testing?

Telomere testing may be useful for people interested in:

  • Healthy aging and longevity
  • Cellular health
  • Preventive wellness
  • Effects of lifestyle on aging
  • Nutrition and metabolic health
  • Oxidative stress and inflammation
  • Establishing a baseline for future comparison
  • Tracking telomere length over time

Telomere testing is particularly useful as a trend marker. Repeating the test over time can provide information about changes in telomere length relative to an age-matched population.

It's More Than a Number

Telomere length is one biomarker of cellular aging—not a prediction of how long you will live.

Aging is influenced by numerous factors, including genetics, cardiovascular health, glucose metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, nutrition, exercise, sleep and lifestyle.

For that reason, telomere results are best considered alongside your overall health picture.

Simple Blood Test

Sample: Whole blood Fasting: No Blood draw required: Yes Typical turnaround: Approximately 3 weeks after the laboratory receives the specimen

We Can Ship the Test Kit Directly to You