Questions about the NAD test
If you have symptoms or health concerns, please speak to your GP.
About the test
What is NAD?
NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a molecule found in every cell. It helps turn food into energy, and enzymes involved in DNA repair rely on it.
Does it measure NAD+?
It measures total NAD, which includes both NAD+ and NADH. It doesn't report them separately or give a ratio.
What does my result show?
Your total NAD in µmol/L, the reference range for your age and sex, and which of five bands you're in, from low through optimal to elevated.
Does it measure biological age?
No. It measures one molecule. It can't tell you how fast you're ageing or predict lifespan.
Will it diagnose anything?
No. It's a wellness test, not a diagnostic one, and it isn't used in NHS practice.
How accurate is it?
The kit is CE-marked under the EU IVDR and uses an enzymatic cycling assay. It measures reliably between 5 and 60 µmol/L, with repeat measurements of the same sample agreeing to within about 6.6%.
Supplements
Should I stop my NMN or NR before testing?
It depends what you want to know. To see your level while taking it, keep taking it as normal. For an untreated baseline, stop for several weeks first.
Is a higher level better?
Not necessarily. There's no established clinical target for blood NAD, and an elevated result often reflects heavy supplementation.
Will raising my NAD improve my health?
There isn't yet evidence that changing your blood NAD level changes health outcomes.
Your sample
What's in the kit?
An alcohol wipe, two lancets, a plaster, a blood spot collection card with sleeve and foil bag, step-by-step instructions and a prepaid return envelope.
When should I post my sample?
Within a day or two of taking it. Samples need to reach the lab within 13 days of collection to be tested.
Is my personal data shared with the lab?
No. Your sample is identified by a barcode only, and no personal details are passed to the laboratory.
Does the sample need to be kept cold?
No. The dried blood spot is stable at room temperature, so you can post it normally.
How long do results take?
Your result is ready within 2 weeks of your sample reaching the lab.
How do I get a good sample?
Warm your hands, use a firm finger-prick and let large drops fall onto the card. Fill every circle, and let the card dry fully before sealing it.
Do I need to fast?
No. There's no fasting or timing requirement.
How often should I retest?
To track a precursor, test once for a baseline and again after a few months of taking it consistently.
Know your number
One finger-prick at home, and a result placed against people of your own age and sex.
- Total NAD in capillary blood, in µmol/L
- Five-band result, matched to your age and sex
- CE-marked kit, analysed by a licensed clinical laboratory
- Results within 2 weeks, with prepaid return postage