What does it measure?
Telomeres are protective structures at the ends of your chromosomes. This blood test measures average telomere length. Their length generally decreases as cells divide, which is why researchers study them in relation to ageing.
Practitioner grade
NutriPath
Telomere biological age test
NutriPath · Test code 1602 · Blood sample
Explore one marker of cellular ageing with a blood test measuring average telomere length. NutriPath’s report compares a telomere-based biological age estimate with your chronological age. It can add context to a healthy-ageing discussion with your practitioner, but does not measure your overall health or predict your lifespan.
About this test
Telomeres are protective structures at the ends of chromosomes. This test measures their length as one aspect of cellular ageing. It does not measure every aspect of biological age.
NutriPath specifies one EDTA blood tube and an estimated 14 business days for laboratory processing. Allow additional time for referral arrangements, collection and sample transport.
Test details
CollectionBlood collection provider
LabNutriPath
When to expect your results
Allow 18–21 business days for laboratory processing after your sample arrives.
Allow time for order and referral checks, your collection appointment and sample transport. Laboratory processing starts after your sample reaches the testing laboratory.
See the steps from order to results
Practitioner consult session
A 15-minute consultation. An email link will be included in your order confirmation to make the booking.
Optional 1:1 with our clinical team · $49
Understand your telomere test
A closer look at one marker of cellular ageing, with a report you can discuss alongside your wider health assessment.
What will my report show?
NutriPath’s sample report compares a telomere-based biological age estimate with your chronological age—the number of years since you were born. It identifies the laboratory method as qPCR. The comparison is an estimate based on this marker, rather than an exact age for every organ or tissue.
View NutriPath’s sample reportWhy consider this test?
If you are exploring healthy ageing with a practitioner, this offers an additional laboratory measurement to discuss. Before ordering, consider what question you want answered and how the result would inform that discussion. Routine health checks may be more useful if you are investigating a particular symptom or health risk.
How should I use the result?
Telomere length varies considerably between people. A result cannot tell you how long you will live, diagnose an age-related disease or show which supplement you need. Interpret it with your health history and other relevant findings. A change on a repeat test does not by itself prove that a treatment has reversed ageing.
Learn about biological age measurementsBlood collection, not an at-home swab
NutriPath specifies an EDTA blood sample for test code 1602. After the referral and order checks, follow the supplied instructions for collection by a blood collection provider. Read the preparation instructions before your appointment.
Read NutriPath’s test informationHow long should I allow?
Plan for 18–21 business days of laboratory processing, plus order checks, collection and sample transport. This uses the estimate in NutriPath’s patient brochure. Its online test page lists 14 business days; the longer estimate gives you more room when planning. Neither figure is a guaranteed delivery date.
Make the result useful to you
Bring your questions and existing health results to a practitioner discussion. The optional consultation can be added when ordering; it is separate from the test price.
View the practitioner consultationYour testing journey
From your order to your results.
Order and referral review, sample collection, laboratory analysis and discussing your report are separate stages. Your test’s processing estimate covers the laboratory stage.
ORDER
Order and referral check
Order your test. We review the order and check whether a referral or other information is required before the next step can begin.
ARRANGE
Arrange your collection
Once the required checks are complete, follow the collection form and instructions for the nominated provider. Check appointment and preparation requirements.
COMPLETE
Provide your sample
Attend the nominated collection provider with the required form. Your sample then needs to reach the testing laboratory before processing begins.
RESULTS
Laboratory processing
Once the laboratory receives your sample, it completes the analysis and prepares your report. Discuss the findings with your practitioner alongside your symptoms and health history.
Preparing for this test
Read the collection instructions before your appointment. Tell your practitioner about medicines and supplements, and do not stop prescribed medicines without their advice.
NutriPath specifies an EDTA blood sample for test code 1602. After the referral and order checks, follow the supplied instructions for collection by a blood collection provider. Read the preparation instructions before your appointment.
Does the estimate include postage?
No. The laboratory estimate does not include order review, referral checks, delivery to you, the time you take to collect, or transport back to the testing laboratory. These stages make up the full order-to-results journey.
Need results by a particular date?
Check with Evergreen before ordering so the referral requirements, collection timing, delivery and laboratory estimate can be considered together.
Ask Evergreen about timingRead NutriPath’s collection and test information. Your supplied kit instructions take precedence.
Before you order.
Practical questions about choosing, preparing for and reviewing this test.
Do I need a consultation or referral?
Requirements vary by test. Check the ordering options on this page and confirm any referral requirements with Evergreen. A laboratory’s practitioner-referral requirement is separate from whether you need to book an additional consultation.
Should I change medicines or supplements before testing?
Do not stop prescribed medicines on your own. Tell your practitioner what you take and follow the preparation instructions for this test. Timing, fasting and other requirements depend on the sample and markers being measured.
Does the test tell me what treatment I need?
A result is one part of an assessment. A qualified practitioner should interpret it alongside your symptoms, history and medicines. Check whether a results consultation is included in your purchase or needs to be booked separately.
How should I read the reference ranges?
Use the reference intervals and units on your own laboratory report. Ranges can vary with the method and patient factors. A result inside or outside a range does not establish a diagnosis on its own.
Who is the testing provider?
These tests are supplied through NutriPath, a medical laboratory founded in 2011 and based in Burwood, Victoria. NutriPath works through a practitioner-referral system.
When does the turnaround estimate start?
The laboratory estimate is not the time from placing your order. Allow time for referral checks, kit dispatch where needed, sample collection and transport before processing. The estimate varies by test, and specialist or overseas analysis can take longer.
Follow the estimate for your specific test. A quoted 3–5 business days does not include the whole ordering and collection journey.
Where do I find preparation and collection instructions?
Use the instructions supplied for your exact kit. Blood tests may require an arranged collection appointment; receiving a kit does not mean you should draw blood yourself. Saliva, urine, stool and breath tests each have different preparation requirements.
Need help choosing?
Find a test that fits your question.
Compare the sample type and what each test measures, or use the guide to narrow your options.