Diagnostics Comparison
Not all aging tests are created equal. Epigenetic clocks, proteomic panels, and consumer wearables measure fundamentally different things at different levels of scientific rigor.
| Diagnostic | Company | Category | Evidence Score | Price Range | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VO2 Max (CPET) | functional measure | 9.5 | $150-400 | Requires specialized lab. Consumer estimates (Apple Watch, Garmin) are rough proxies, not… | |
| DXA (DEXA) Scan | functional measure | 9.0 | $75-300 | Radiation exposure (minimal). Requires clinical facility. Snapshot, not continuous. | |
| Grip Strength Dynamometer | functional measure | 9.0 | $10-50 | Single functional measure. Does not explain why strength is declining. Best used alongside other… |
The Measurement Hierarchy
A $30 grip dynamometer predicts mortality comparably to a $3,000 epigenetic clock test (PURE study, n=139,691). The most expensive test is not always the most informative. Our evidence scores reflect published validation data, not price or marketing sophistication.