Incorporating biomarkers into population research

Rapid progress in the field of biological assessment has expanded the possibilities for enhanced biological measurement in population research. Incorporating biomarkers in social sciences, public health, and behavioral research creates exciting opportunities that include better measurement of health and disease, validation of self-reported behaviors, and measurement of exposures to environmental agents.

Biomedical specimen collection in population studies requires consideration of a number of factors. This Web site identifies some issues a population researcher needs to consider before collecting specimens.

Identifying the biological factor to be measured can be difficult. There may be an ideal measurement that is impractical in the context of a population-based study. Newly developed laboratory technology may not be readily apparent to the behavioral scientist. Once a biomarker of interest has been identified, there are many logistical issues to address: selecting a collaborating laboratory, and developing and testing collection, storage, and transport protocols. Ethical issues about reporting results to the participant are also important. Each of these topics is covered in more detail through the links on the left of this page.