FAQ

Question 1

How do we measure SystemAge™, and what science is it based on?

Accepted Answer

The SystemAge™ section encompasses both overall SystemAge™ and functional SystemAge™ calculations for a total of 21 distinct systems. Each system represents a critical system contributing to the overall functionality of the body. SystemAge™ is calculated in the report by employing a "noise barometer" approach, which focuses on cytosines with stable methylation throughout life. Biological age is measured by quantifying the dysregulation of these cytosines, using the sums of standard deviations of their methylation values as biomarkers of aging and disease. This method identifies increased biological noise as a key indicator of aging and disease.

Our science and approach is rooted in extensive research led by one of our co-founders Dr. Irina Conboy, a field expert with over 20+ years of experience, which strengthens our ability to advance in biological aging science and product development. For more detailed scientific information, please refer to the following publications:

Question 2

What is BioNoise™?

Accepted Answer

BioNoise™ is Generation Lab's measure of biological dysregulation, defined as the variability in DNA methylation across 460+ homeostatically important epigenetic sites. It is quantified as the sum of absolute distance from the mean of methylation values of a young healthy reference. In a healthy body, the epigenetic machinery holds critical gene-regulatory sites within a narrow, stable band. As biological aging progresses, that control breaks down: methylation doesn't shift uniformly in one direction—it scatters. Pioneered by Generation Lab CSO Dr. Irina Conboy through more than 20 years of aging research, BioNoise™ is the foundation of the SystemAge™ Test. Unlike machine learning–based clocks that assign arbitrary statistical weights to individual CpG sites, SystemAge™ is built on curated biology, measuring total variability across 460 expert-selected biomarkers to give a direct read on how well your biology is holding itself together.

Question 3

How's the overall SystemAge™ calculated compared to the SystemAge™ of 21 different systems?

Accepted Answer

The overall SystemAge™ calculation is not simply an average of the SystemAges for the 21 systems. Rather, it is based on a more complex and comprehensive set of biomarkers, going beyond those mapped to individual systems. While each SystemAge™ provides valuable insights into the health of a specific system, your overall body performance is influenced by a broader set of factors. By incorporating a wider range of biomarkers, the overall SystemAge™ offers a more holistic and complete assessment of your general health.

Question 4

Is it normal to see a significant age difference between SystemAge™ and my chronological age?

Accepted Answer

There can sometimes be significant differences between SystemAge™ and chronological age, as chronological age only reflects the passage of time, not your health. Additionally, aging is not a linear process—both overall and system-specific aging can enter multiple plateau phases where biological changes slow down and stabilize. For example, if overall aging enters a plateau between ages 28 and 40, seeing a SystemAge™ of 28, 38, or 40 wouldn't suggest major biological differences, as these ages fall within a range where biological noise remains relatively unchanged.

Question 5

How do we calculate the SystemAge™ statuses (Optimal, Normal, Needs Attention) and what do they mean?

Accepted Answer

The statuses are distinguished based on your Rate of Aging, which is a ratio that indicates how fast you have aged biologically compared to the chronological time. The cutoff values for these statuses are based on the age distribution of the population in our comprehensive dataset of half a million. The cutoff values will be slightly adjusted over time to reflect new insights and data in biological healthy aging. Optimal  indicates the system is aging at a lower pace than chronological aging. The SystemAge™ is less than 0.92 times the chronological age, meaning the biological age of that system is at least ~8% younger than your actual age. Normal  indicates the system is aging at a pace comparable to chronological aging. The SystemAge™ is between 0.92 and 1.1 times the chronological age, suggesting that biological aging is broadly consistent with expected age-related variation. Needs Attention  indicates the system is aging faster than chronological aging. The SystemAge™ is greater than 1.1 times the chronological age, meaning the biological age of that system is more than ~10% older than expected based on your actual age.

Question 6

What population are we comparing to?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the section you are viewing: The Aging Entropy curve for each function and the SystemAges for various body systems are derived from a healthy reference population across different age groups. While both healthy and unhealthy populations are used during product development and validation, the data used for the Aging Entropy curve and bio-noise calculations comes from healthy individuals of various ages. For calculations such as age difference, rate of aging, and top aging risks, we compare your SystemAge™ results with your chronological age or compare the SystemAge™ across your different body systems. This helps identify which systems may need the most attention specifically for you as Top Aging Risks.

Question 7

How do we measure the SystemAge™ (biological age) for different organs and systems using blood?

Accepted Answer

To assess the biological age of different organs and systems, SystemAge™ analysis uses a method that examines specific cytosines in blood samples. While we aren't testing the organs directly, we can mirror each system's aging process by analyzing the methylation patterns for specific cytosines in your blood. These cytosines are linked to genes that correspond to various biological systems, allowing us to estimate the aging process within each system. This approach provides a unique aging profile for each system, showing how each one contributes to the overall biological age.

Question 8

Do we have details on the individual markers that went into each age report?

Accepted Answer

The SystemAge™ Test analyzes 460 epigenetic biomarkers mapped across 21 body systems, selected not just for scale, but for biological relevance. Each biomarker was chosen from over 450K cytosines and analyzed using our proprietary GL260K-M Customized Chip, to reflect meaningful changes in how aging unfolds across systems. For the detailed biomarker list, please visit our   Biomarkers page . For more information, please go to our   Science page , or read our research paper:   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10522373/ . To request additional details, please email   support@generationlab.com .

Question 9

What is the size of this reference population group?

Accepted Answer

Our reference population group consists of more than half a million data points from healthy and unhealthy individuals, sourced from different biobanks and our research initiatives over 20+ years in Conboy Lab. The Conboy Lab and Generation Lab collaborate on this effort, encompassing a diverse range of ages from both healthy and unhealthy populations. We are continuously working to expand our datasets to further enhance our analysis.

Question 10

Why am I getting very different results from other biological age tests or clocks?

Accepted Answer

Most biological age clocks rely on mathematical models that often prioritize statistical fit with minimal biological relevance, which highly limits their ability to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy aging patterns. In contrast, our approach is built on selecting biomarkers with high biological significance. This ensures that the features we analyze accurately reflect underlying health conditions, leading to a more precise and meaningful measure of biological age. If you are interested in more detailed information, please refer to the following papers: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10522373/ https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.10.09.617512

Question 11

Are 'Lifestyle Reflections' and 'Common Symptoms & Conditions' personalized?

Accepted Answer

No, they are not personalized. 'Lifestyle Reflections' and 'Common Symptoms & Conditions' are common causes or conditions applicable to the general public. They are meant to guide self-reflection and provide context, not to describe your individual situation.

Question 12

If all of my SystemAge™ numbers are younger or close to my chronological age, am I done?

Accepted Answer

Having SystemAge™ numbers close to or younger than your chronological age is a great indicator of health, but it's not the end of the journey. It's important to keep monitoring and addressing the top aging risks that most impact you. Sustaining a healthy SystemAge™ requires ongoing focus on these areas to support long-term health and resilience. The goal is to keep you on a healthy "plateau" for as long as possible.

Question 13

Will exercise affect the SystemAge™ of the Muscular System?

Accepted Answer

The SystemAge™ of the Muscular System can be influenced by factors such as exercise levels. While regular exercise supports muscular health, over-exercising or intense exercise may accelerate the SystemAge™ of the muscular system temporarily due to the physical stress they place on muscle tissues. High-intensity exercise causes small tears in muscle fibers, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress as the body repairs these tissues. This repair process increases the production of free radicals and stress hormones, which can elevate cellular damage markers. Consequently, this temporary increase in biological noise can register as an "older" SystemAge™ for the Muscular System. However, with proper recovery, the system typically returns to a younger or healthier state, as regular exercise strengthens and improves overall muscular health. For a more representative reading of your muscular system, we recommend skipping heavy or intense exercise for at least 48 hours (ideally 72) before testing so your sample reflects a steady state.

Question 14

Chronological Age vs. SystemAge™ (biological age)

Accepted Answer

Chronological age reflects the number of years a person has lived, a measure that is constant and remains constant, regardless of health or lifestyle factors. In contrast, SystemAge™ is dynamic, reflecting changes in health and physiological status. SystemAge™ can rise or fall depending on each system's health; for instance, illness or disease can accelerate aging in specific systems, temporarily raising your SystemAge™. As health improves, SystemAge™ can decrease, offering a more accurate view of recovery and overall vitality. This adaptability makes SystemAge™ a powerful tool for tracking health over time and evaluating the impact of lifestyle interventions.

Question 15

What do systems like Fibrosis and Oncogenesis indicate?

Accepted Answer

Systems such as fibrosis and oncogenesis do not imply that you have these diseases. Instead, they reflect the aging trajectory associated with specific systems. Systems like fibrosis and oncogenesis in aging assessments reflect the potential aging pathways or vulnerabilities in specific bodily systems rather than diagnosing any disease. For instance: Fibrosis:  This system reflects age-related changes in the body's tissue repair and scarring processes. While fibrosis is a normal part of healing, accelerated aging in this system may indicate increased tendencies toward chronic inflammation, excessive scar tissue formation, tissue stiffening, and reduced organ flexibility over time. Oncogenesis:  This system tracks cellular changes associated with the development of cancer cells, focusing on cellular repair, immune surveillance, and DNA integrity. A higher SystemAge™ in oncogenesis could indicate an elevated cellular stress level or reduced efficiency in repair mechanisms, making cells more susceptible to mutations. However, it does not mean there is a cancer diagnosis; instead, it highlights areas where lifestyle changes, like improving diet or reducing exposure to carcinogens, could support cellular resilience. These systems provide insights into the aging of different body systems, helping to identify areas that might benefit from preventive measures or lifestyle adjustments. They offer a broader picture of health and aging, allowing individuals to take proactive steps without implying specific disease diagnoses.

Question 16

How do you differentiate the female reproductive system from the male reproductive system?

Accepted Answer

Our test identifies DNA methylation sites that show sex-specific patterns in blood cells. While these blood-based markers cannot directly measure reproductive tissues, they reflect sex-specific biological processes controlled by reproductive hormones and developmental programs, including hormone regulation and sex-specific developmental pathways. Males and females establish distinct methylation patterns during their reproductive development, and these differences are detectable systemically in circulating blood cells, serving as a proxy for sex-specific physiological processes. References: Du, Q., et al. (2025). "DNA Methylation: A Key Regulator in Male and Female Reproductive Outcomes."  Life . Smiraglia, D. J., et al. (2013). "Meta-analysis of human methylation data for evidence of sex-specific autosomal patterns."   BMC Genomics .

Question 17

What are the major science updates of the SystemAge™ test?

Accepted Answer

Science update #1:  Launched the first version of the SystemAge™ test featuring 19 physiological systems and personalized intervention recommendations powered by the EPICv1 DNA methylation chip. Science update #2:  Officially transitioned from the EPICv1 chip to Generation Lab's proprietary GL260K-M Customized Chip. Science update #3:  Expanded the platform from 19 to 21 physiological systems, including the addition of Skin Health and Mitochondrial Health, along with updates to the Reproductive System. Science update #4:  Introduced sex-specific (male and female) reports for all 21 systems, along with new appointment scheduling and longitudinal trend-view features.

Question 18

Why am I seeing significant changes between tests?

Accepted Answer

Epigenetic markers fluctuate based on your current lifestyle and physiological state. Your test results reflect a snapshot of your biological aging at a given moment, not a fixed measure. Research indicates that multiple lifestyle factors influence epigenetic aging, including exercise, diet, stress levels, smoking, and alcohol consumption. While these factors are known to shape biological aging over time, test-to-test variations should be expected as your daily behaviors and circumstances change. Rather than interpreting individual test variations as significant, focus on sustained lifestyle changes—consistent exercise, healthy eating patterns, stress management, and quality sleep—which are associated with slower epigenetic aging. References: Quach, A., et al. (2017). "Epigenetic clock analysis of diet, exercise, education, and lifestyle factors."  Aging . Weiss, K. M., et al. (2024). "Epigenetic clocks as mediators of health behaviors and mortality in middle-aged and older adults."   Aging & Disease .

Question 19

How do females and males age differently in general?

Accepted Answer

Men and women experience different aging trajectories at the molecular level. While women typically live longer than men, research shows that men display greater epigenetic age acceleration, meaning their DNA methylation patterns age faster relative to their chronological age. This molecular-level sex difference occurs independently of differences in disease prevalence between the sexes, where women face higher risks of Alzheimer's disease and autoimmune conditions, while men experience higher mortality from cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. These sex differences in aging reflect distinct DNA methylation patterns and epigenetic pathways that develop throughout the lifespan, with both biological and lifestyle factors—including body mass index and smoking—contributing to sex-specific aging rates. References: Hagg, S., et al. (2023). "Do Epigenetic Clocks Provide Explanations for Sex Differences in Life Span?"  Gerontology . Eginbas, I., et al. (2024). "Sex differences in epigenetic age in Mediterranean high longevity regions."  Frontiers in Aging .

Question 20

What's the average shipping timeline?

Accepted Answer

The average shipping timeline for our orders is between 1-2 weeks. Once your parcel has been shipped, we will notify you via email and in your   client portal   with the tracking details so you can follow its journey to you! If there are any updates or changes in the shipping timeline, we will keep you informed every step of the way.

Question 21

When will I receive my test kit?

Accepted Answer

You can track your test kit delivery using the "Track Kit" button in the email titled "Great News: Your SystemAge™ Test Has Shipped!" Alternatively, log into your   client portal   and use the "Track Shipment" button in the "Next Steps" module on your dashboard page. The usual kit shipping timeline is 1-2 weeks.

Question 22

Can I update my delivery address?

Accepted Answer

Please contact   support@generationlab.com   for your request. We will get back to you as soon as possible!

Question 23

What regions and countries does Generation Lab ship to?

Accepted Answer

We currently support shipments within North America (United States, Canada). For customers in New York State, please find an authorized clinic near you to purchase due to NY clinical lab regulations (PHL Art. 5, Title V). For international customers, please go to our   official distributor   or   authorized partners   in your region. We are currently working on shipment to more countries and regions. Please contact   support@generationlab.com   for more information.

Question 24

What's Generation Lab's return policy?

Accepted Answer

All test kits purchased from Generation Lab are non-refundable. However, if you received your test kit damaged, please don't hesitate to contact us at   support@generationlab.com   for a free replacement. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we want to ensure you have a seamless experience with our products.

Question 25

Can I gift a SystemAge™ Test to someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can gift a one-time SystemAge™ Test to someone else. Just make sure they register the kit under their own account to ensure accurate sample processing and results.

Question 26

How can I purchase with HSA or FSA funds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Generation Lab's SystemAge™ test is FSA/HSA eligible. Simply click on "Order with HSA/FSA" on the product page. Note: subscription to the SystemAge™ test is currently not available with HSA/FSA. Please choose your desired quantity with the one-time purchase option.

Question 27

Can I register a kit for someone else?

Accepted Answer

Each SystemAge™ Test Kit must be registered under the test-taker's own account to correctly associate the sample with that individual. If you are assisting someone with their registration, please ensure you are logged into their account before proceeding. If you are a provider registering for your client, you can either register via the   provider portal   or scan the QR code and log into your provider account when prompted. We refer to this process as "proxy registration." Once you register the kit for your client, you will get all the related status updates. Your client no longer needs to register the kit again, and will not receive the status updates. Your clients will receive the reports automatically in their account only if you provide their account email.

Question 28

I'm a provider — what do I need to know before collecting and returning a sample for my client?

Accepted Answer

What tube should I use?  Always use the blood tube provided in the kit, with the pre-printed barcode sticker attached. Samples returned without the original barcode cannot be processed by our lab. Don't add handwritten or self-printed barcodes unless Generation Lab specifically instructs you to. Can I write the patient's name on the tube?  No. Including any identifiable information—name, sex, date of birth—on the tube or return packaging will invalidate the sample at our CLIA-certified lab. To share additional context, record the Kit ID and email your Generation Lab point of contact, or reach out to   support@generationlab.com . How should I package the sample for return?  Seal each sample in the provided biohazard bag. If you're returning multiple samples, use a separate biohazard bag for each, and ideally a separate return envelope per sample. We recommend photographing or noting down the Kit IDs before shipping in case any issues arise in transit. What if I'm shipping from outside the US?  Please coordinate with your Generation Lab point of contact or email   support@generationlab.com   before sending any international return.

Question 29

I already returned my sample but I forgot to register my kit. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Please email us at   support@generationlab.com   and include the email address associated with your account and ideally the Kit ID of the unregistered kit. We'll get back to you as soon as possible to assist.

Question 30

How should I prepare for the test?

Accepted Answer

When should I take the test?  Any time that fits your schedule works, ideally in the morning on an empty stomach, on a fairly typical day. Your test reflects your current biological state, so a regular day gives you the most representative result. Is there anything I should avoid before taking the test? Skip caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. Skip heavy or intense exercise (at least 48 hours, ideally 72). Avoid testing after major sleep disruption, intense travel, unusually stressful events, or any atypical activities. None of these will invalidate your result. They just risk capturing you on an off day rather than your true baseline. Do I need to fast?  Yes. Please fast for at least 2 hours before collection. Taking the test in the morning on an empty stomach would be ideal. A recent meal can temporarily shift your blood composition and introduce methylation signal that does not reflect your typical baseline. For repeat users:  For the most consistent comparisons over time, we suggest taking future tests at around the same time of day as your previous collection. For example, if your first sample was collected shortly after waking up, it's best to collect future samples shortly after waking up as well. This is not required, but it can help reduce normal day-to-day biological variation and improve longitudinal consistency.

Question 31

How much blood do I need to collect?

Accepted Answer

Minimum:  250 microliters (µL), or the first target line on the microtainer blood tube. This is the minimum volume required for our lab to process the sample. If the sample volume is below this level, the lab may not be able to process it. Suggested:  500 microliters (µL), or the second target line on the microtainer blood tube or above. This helps ensure there is more than enough DNA available for processing.

Question 32

How does the Tasso+ device work? Is it needle-free?

Accepted Answer

The Tasso Button sticks to the skin with a light adhesive. When the button is pressed, a vacuum forms and a lancet pricks the surface of the skin. The vacuum draws blood out of the capillaries and into a compatible container attached to the bottom of the Tasso Button. Some people refer to Tasso devices as a needle-free system since it does not use a hollow venipuncture needle to enter a vein.

Question 33

Will using the Tasso+ device for blood collection leave a scar?

Accepted Answer

For 98% of users, the Tasso+ device will not leave a scar. However, skin sensitivity varies, and if you have sensitive skin, there may be a small chance of scarring. If you're concerned, you can have a blood draw at your clinic and return the sample as usual.

Question 34

How can I track my sample return?

Accepted Answer

We will email you sample return updates once the carrier logs your package in the system. You can also actively track the return in your   client portal   by clicking "Track Sample Return" on the homepage. Alternatively, you can note the tracking ID on your return label and track via the carrier's website.

Question 35

Did you receive my sample return?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive an email notification titled "[Generation Lab] We have received your sample!" once our lab has received your sample return.

Question 36

When will I receive my report?

Accepted Answer

The standard turnaround time after you ship back your sample is 3–6 weeks. You will receive email notifications once there are any status updates. During high-volume periods, there may be delays. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to process your results. If you're experiencing exceptionally long wait times, please contact   support@generationlab.com —we'll do our best to assist you. Sample Return:  Shipping time varies depending on the carrier and location. Typically, your sample will arrive at our lab within 5 business days.  Note: Your sample is safe and stable during shipping. Your blood tube is coated for anticoagulation and preservation. Our lab follows CLIA quality procedures to ensure sample integrity during processing. We'll reach out to you if your sample is compromised and doesn't meet our standard. Lab Processing:  From sample pre-processing to quality assurance and validation checks, laboratory processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Report Ready:  Once the lab processing is completed, we conduct final data analysis and your report should be ready within just a few business days.

Question 37

Why do I need to provide my current location?

Accepted Answer

For your telehealth appointment, it's essential that you accurately inform us of your current location at the time of the consultation. This ensures your provider is licensed to deliver care in your state.

Question 38

What are the licensing requirements for telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare providers are required to be licensed in the state where you are physically located during your telehealth session. If you're in a different state than usual, letting us know ahead of time helps us comply with state laws.

Question 39

Are there restrictions on which medications can be prescribed via telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Some medications, especially controlled substances, may have restrictions on how they can be prescribed via telehealth. Your location can impact whether certain prescriptions can be provided.

Question 40

How is my privacy and health information protected?

Accepted Answer

Your telehealth session will be conducted using secure, HIPAA-compliant technology to protect your privacy and health information. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at   support@generationlab.com . We're always here to assist you!

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