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Biomarker Limitations

Meaning

Biomarker limitations describe the inherent constraints and interpretative challenges associated with using biological indicators to diagnose, prognose, or monitor physiological status, particularly in the dynamic field of hormonal health. These limitations encompass issues such as assay variability, the pulsatile and diurnal rhythms of hormone secretion, and the distinction between correlation and causation in complex biological systems. A single measurement of a hormone, for example, may not accurately reflect the overall endocrine status due to its rapid fluctuations throughout the day. Recognizing these constraints is essential for the clinical translator to avoid misdiagnosis or the implementation of ineffective therapeutic strategies.