BIOMARKERS
Hormone assays and other biomarker tests are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of a range of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Though these tests are widely used, many laboratories do not use standardized assays, which makes diagnosis and management difficult. Two laboratories using non-standardized biomarker tests could get significantly different results for the same patient using the same blood sample. These inaccurate test results can lead to a misdiagnosis and/or delayed or incorrect treatment.
Video developed by the Endocrine Society for the Partnership for the Accurate Testing of Hormones.
NACDD is collaborating with CDC, the Endocrine Society, and the Partnership for the Accurate Testing of Hormones (PATH) to improve patient care and public health by promoting the use of accurate and reliable hormone assays in healthcare and research. The project uses a multi-pronged approach, including working to increase the number of standardized assays available; educating physicians, payers, patients, policymakers, and laboratories to increase adoption of certified, standardized tests; and fostering partnerships and collaboration to address data needs and advance the quality of laboratory tests.
View our educational offerings or contact Laura DeStigter to learn more about NACDD’s work on laboratory standardization and biomarkers.