Biomarkers: Understanding health through measurable signals.

Quantitative or qualitative biomarkers?

Quantitative biomarkers provide numerical values, allowing trends to be tracked over time and compared to reference ranges. These are commonly used for hormones, metabolic markers, vitamins, inflammatory markers, and cardiovascular indicators.

Qualitative biomarkers deliver positive or negative results and are typically used for substance exposure, toxicology, or drug screening, where presence or absence is the primary concern.

Biomarkers across health domains

Biomarker testing spans multiple areas of health, including but not limited to:

• Hormones and endocrine function
• Diabetes and metabolic health
• Coagulation and vascular biology
• Vitamins, iron, and micronutrient status
• Inflammation and infection
• Female and reproductive health
• Tumour and cancer screening markers
• Cardiac and vascular health
• Toxicology and drug detection

Each category reflects distinct biological systems, yet many biomarkers interact, offering a more complete picture when interpreted together.

The value of on-the-spot biomarker testing

Modern diagnostic technologies allow many biomarkers to be measured rapidly and accurately at or near the point of care. This approach supports:

• Faster (typically within minutes) insight into biological status
• Monitoring of changes over time
• Increased accessibility to health information

As biomarker science continues to evolve, point-of-care testing plays a growing role in bridging biological understanding with practical health insights.

Igloo Reader Pro: Advanced on-site biomarker analysis

The Igloo Reader Pro is a state-of-the-art device engineered to deliver rapid, accurate quantitative results for a wide variety of biomarkers. Compact and intuitive, it is designed for use in clinical, wellness, and near-patient settings, in point-of-care businesses like pharmacies and dental clinics. Its advanced optics and calibration systems ensure consistent accuracy, enabling healthcare professionals to make timely decisions without the wait times associated with traditional labs.

Key features include:

• Support for multiple biomarker panels across different health domains with one device
• Easy-to-use interface with minimal training required
• Fast processing times, often delivering results within minutes
• Robust quality control and data management capabilities
• Interactive map with Igloo Reader Pro devices
• Convenient results storage in one secure app

By integrating the Igloo Reader Pro into testing workflows, point-of-care providers gain a reliable, efficient tool that enhances patient care through immediate access to vital biomarker data.

Overcoming challenges in biomarker measurement

Measuring biomarkers accurately at the point-of-care presents several challenges, including sample variability, interference from biological substances, and maintaining assay sensitivity and specificity. Many devices on the market struggle with consistency, leading to unreliable results that can affect clinical decisions.

At Igloo, we prioritise precision and quality through rigorous design and validation processes. Our proprietary technologies and reader calibration minimize variability, ensuring that results are trustworthy and reproducible. This commitment to quality means that point-of-care and healthcare professionals can confidently rely on Igloo’s testing solutions for accurate biomarker assessment - empowering better health outcomes through dependable data.

Literature

• European Medicines Agency - Biomarker.
• National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) - Understand Translational Research Tools.
• NIH National Cancer Institute - Definition of biomarker.
• Point-of-Care Testing by Larkins at al.

Disclaimer

This information is educational and does not qualify as medical advice. Always use local reference ranges and consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.