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Tampa Bay · Guide · Genetic and biological age testing

Genetic and biological age testing in Tampa Bay

Two kinds of tests often sold together: the genes you were born with, and estimates of how fast you're aging now. Here's what each one tells you and which Tampa Bay clinics offer them.

Main tests
A gene panel or a broad DNA test Or a biological age test
What you do
Give blood or saliva After a talk about your family history
You get
Your results, explained Ideally by a genetic counselor for gene tests
Tampa photograph by Edgar Cotto · Unsplash

The tests, in plain English

Genetic tests read DNA you were born with, which doesn't change. Biological age tests estimate how fast your body is aging now, but they're still research tools, and different tests can disagree. For most people, the most useful genetic test is a targeted one chosen because of family history.

Your genes are like the blueprint of a house. A biological age test is more like an inspection of how the house is holding up. Both are useful, but neither tells you exactly when the roof will leak.

Inherited-risk gene panel

Checks specific genes linked to cancer or heart risk. A positive result can change when and how often you get screened. Talking to a genetic counselor before and after is normal.

Whole-genome or broad DNA test

Reads much more of your DNA, sometimes all of it. It can turn up useful findings, and also variants nobody knows how to read yet.

Biological age test

Estimates your pace of aging from a blood or saliva sample. Interesting to track over time, but it is a research measure, not a diagnosis.

Showing 2 clinics that publish genetic and biological-age testing in Tampa Bay

How we order clinics
Dr. Mike Garrison, DODr. Alexa Owens, DO

Griffin Concierge Medical (South Tampa)

W. Mississippi Avenue, South Tampa
Dr. Mike Garrison, DO, Dr. Alexa Owens, DO and 5 more
Cancer risk & screeningMetabolic health & blood sugarTrack my progress & optimize over time

Griffin Concierge Medical's South Tampa office is a concierge primary care practice with seven physicians, founded by Radley Griffin, MD. Its Longevity & Preventive Medicine service lists tests such as continuous glucose monitoring, genome sequencing and multi-cancer early detection testing. Hormone optimization includes bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and testosterone optimization. Led by Dr. Mike Garrison, DO, Dr. Alexa Owens, DO, Dr. Corey Steinberg, MD and 4 more.

Tests & services

Continuous glucose monitoring Genetic & genomic testing Menopause hormone therapy Multi-cancer early detection blood test +1 more
See if it’s a fit

Balance Wellness & Primary Care

Windguard Circle, Wesley Chapel
Cancer risk & screeningMen’s health & testosteroneMidlife & menopause

Balance Wellness & Primary Care is a direct and concierge primary care practice on Windguard Circle in Wesley Chapel. Alongside primary care it offers men's testosterone therapy plans, menopause and hormone care for women, and MyRisk hereditary cancer screening through Myriad Genetics.

Tests & services

Hereditary cancer panel Testosterone therapy
See if it’s a fit

How testing usually goes

  1. Family history first

    Who had what, and at what age. This decides which test makes sense.

  2. The sample

    Blood or saliva. Ask which lab runs it and what is included.

  3. Results, explained

    Ideally by a genetic counselor for gene tests. Ask who explains yours.

  4. What it changes

    A new screening schedule, or a baseline to retest against later.

A biological age number is not a diagnosis. Don't change medical treatment because of it alone.

Go deeper

Explainer Healthspan vs lifespan

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Explainer What is longevity medicine?

What it is, its two goals, and how to start without a big commitment.
Reference The biomarker glossary: 100 markers explained

Every marker on a longevity blood panel, in two or three plain sentences each.

Common questions

Which clinics in Tampa Bay publish genetic and biological-age testing?

2 in our Tampa Bay guide: Griffin Concierge Medical (South Tampa) and Balance Wellness & Primary Care.

Is a consumer DNA kit the same as a clinical gene panel?

No. Consumer kits usually check a small set of variants and can miss important ones. A clinical panel ordered by a doctor looks more thoroughly at specific genes, and a counselor explains the results.

Can a biological age test tell me how long I'll live?

No. It estimates how your body is aging compared with others your age, but it can't predict your lifespan. It's most useful for spotting change over time.

Why do two biological age tests give different numbers?

They measure different things and use different formulas. That's why it's best to stick with one test if you want to track a trend.

Will genetic testing affect my insurance?

GINA protects you in U.S. health insurance and most employment. It doesn't cover life, disability or long-term care insurance, so think about timing if you're planning to buy those.

What does it cost, and will insurance cover it?

Gene panels are sometimes covered when your family history meets your plan's rules. Broad DNA tests and biological age tests are usually self-pay. Our guides on cost and insurance go deeper.

How do you decide which clinics appear on this page?

A clinic appears here when its own published material shows it offers this kind of testing at that location.

Sources (4)
  1. National Cancer Institute, Genetic testing for inherited cancer risk
  2. MedlinePlus Genetics, What is direct-to-consumer genetic testing?
  3. MedlinePlus Genetics, Genetic discrimination
  4. National Institute on Aging, In search of better biomarkers of aging

This page is educational information, not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to have or to skip any test. What is right for you depends on your age, your history and your personal risk, so discuss it with a clinician who knows them. If you have a symptom that concerns you, seek a medical evaluation.

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